Source: Senate Republicans
Summary
Senate Republicans are pushing for voter ID legislation, the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, but the partial government shutdown is likely to delay its progress. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, led the charge for the bill, but acknowledged that reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would take precedence. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., guaranteed that the voter ID legislation would get a vote, but the timing is uncertain due to the shutdown. The SAVE America Act has 50 Republican backers, but its progress is dependent on resolving the DHS funding issue.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
The Senate Republicans are waiting for the DHS shutdown to be resolved before moving forward with the SAVE America Act. The bill’s progress is dependent on the Democrats’ willingness to negotiate and vote on DHS funding. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is prioritizing the confirmation of Trump’s judicial nominees and bipartisan housing legislation. The SAVE America Act is still on the table, but its fate is tied to the outcome of the DHS funding debate.
Mike Lee hopes to turn to the SAVE America Act “as soon thereafter as possible” after the DHS funding issue is resolved.
The Senate’s floor time is a valuable asset, and the SAVE America Act is waiting in line behind the DHS funding bill.
The Democrats’ opposition to voter ID and proof of citizenship is a major sticking point in the negotiations.
The SAVE America Act’s progress is a performance waiting for its cue.
Author: Evan Null
