Source: Fox News
Summary
President Donald Trump is pushing Republicans to include his voter ID and citizenship verification legislation, the SAVE America Act, into a party-line package. However, even the bill’s strongest backers are skeptical about its chances of passing. Senate Democrats have vowed to block the bill, and not every Republican is on board. The bill’s supporters are exploring alternatives, including providing funding for states to issue Enhanced Real IDs, which show proof of citizenship.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
President Trump demands action on the SAVE America Act, but Republicans are lukewarm. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledges they don’t have the vote. Sen. John Kennedy says it’s their only shot, but time is running out. Sen. Jon Husted is working on alternatives, but is uncertain about success. The process is governed by the Byrd Rule, which dictates that any item in reconciliation must have a direct budgetary impact.
The SAVE America Act is policy, not budgetary, making it ineligible for reconciliation. A plausible pathway would be providing funding for Enhanced Real IDs, but lawmakers would need to pass a separate bill outside of reconciliation. The schedule doesn’t accommodate a third reconciliation bill, making it unlikely to happen.
Author: Evan Null
