Key facts
- SAVE Act status
- Appears not on Senate agenda before recess
- Senator comment
- John Kennedy: leadership doesn't want to prioritize SAVE Act
- Budget focus
- Thune focusing on Budget Committee hearing; budget resolution unclear
- Stopgap funding
- Senators released stopgap funding bill through December
- Marshall's stance
- Wants Senate to stay until budget resolution passed
Background
The SAVE America Act, formally the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, would require proof of U.S. citizenship when people register to vote in federal elections. The legislation has been a priority for some Republican lawmakers, but its path in the Senate remains uncertain.
According to a report from Axios, Louisiana GOP Sen. John Kennedy said he does not think leadership wants to prioritize the SAVE America Act. The Senate is currently attempting to vote on a number of matters before recess, and the SAVE Act does not appear to be on the agenda.
Current situation
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is focusing on matters in the Senate Budget Committee hearing. It was reported Monday that senators released a stopgap funding bill that would fund the U.S. government through December.
It is not clear whether Thune will bring forward a budget resolution. Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson said that it was possible that voting on a budget resolution could happen this week. Kansas GOP Sen. Roger Marshall said he thinks the Senate should keep working until a budget resolution is passed.
"I will do everything possible to have a vote on the budget resolution," Marshall told Axios. "I think we need to stay here until we vote on it and figure out a way to get it across the finish line."
| Senator | State | Party | Statement/Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Kennedy | Louisiana | GOP | Said leadership doesn't want to prioritize SAVE Act |
| John Thune | Not specified | Not specified | Focusing on Budget Committee hearing |
| Ron Johnson | Wisconsin | GOP | Possible budget resolution vote this week |
| Roger Marshall | Kansas | GOP | Wants to stay until budget resolution passed |
Impacts
If the SAVE Act is not brought to a vote before recess, its prospects for passage in the near term could diminish. The legislation would affect all U.S. citizens who register to vote in federal elections, as it would require proof of citizenship at registration.
The focus on budget matters and the stopgap funding bill could delay other legislative priorities, including the SAVE Act. As midterm elections approach, some of President Donald Trump's appointees still have not been confirmed, adding to the Senate's workload.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the Senate does not take up the SAVE Act before recess, it could be revisited after the recess, possibly in the context of broader election security debates. However, its timing remains unclear.
If a budget resolution is passed this week, as some senators hope, the Senate may then turn to other matters, including the SAVE Act. Alternatively, if the budget resolution stalls, the SAVE Act could be further delayed.
The stopgap funding bill, if passed, would fund the government through December, potentially setting the stage for a larger funding fight later in the year. Whether the SAVE Act becomes part of that negotiation is uncertain.
Source: krcgtv.com
