McConnell's Senate absence complicates GOP efforts on SAVE America Act
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Sen. Mitch McConnell's prolonged absence and uncertainty over his return are slowing Republican attempts to advance the SAVE America Act through budget reconciliation, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune focuses on averting a government shutdown.
Sen. Mitch McConnell's extended leave from the Senate is delaying Republican plans to move the SAVE America Act, a voter-ID measure backed by President Trump, through the budget-reconciliation process. McConnell, who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, would play a key role in drafting a version of the bill that could meet the strict reconciliation requirements, but no return date has been set.
Sen. Ron Johnson said the situation could pose “an issue” and noted that many details remain unresolved. The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, former chair of the Senate Budget Committee, adds further uncertainty; his successor, also Johnson, may assume responsibility for shaping the legislation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that his immediate priority is preventing a government shutdown and is pursuing bipartisan negotiations on a funding deal. He warned that Republicans lack sufficient votes to pass the SAVE America Act or even a budget resolution in the Senate, and that any reconciliation effort must comply with the Senate’s 50-vote threshold.
Thune suggested that a carefully structured bill, relying mainly on grant incentives for states, could meet the reconciliation rules, but he cautioned that the math still points to a 60-vote requirement. President Trump has urged Republicans to adopt a budget resolution before the Labor Day recess to fund defense, agriculture, and as much of the SAVE America Act as possible.
Sen. John Kennedy said his preferred path is to use reconciliation, describing his plan as a “credible argument” that could survive the Senate’s Byrd test, though he admitted the outcome is uncertain.