Senators continue debate on SAVE America Act with no resolution in sight

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Senators spent the weekend debating the SAVE America Act, a White House-supported elections reform bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote.

Lawmakers are no closer to passing the bill after another week of debate. They are now highlighting the blockages in hopes of forcing movement.

“It’s a piece of common-sense legislation that we think is overwhelmingly supported by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).

As forward movement on the SAVE America Act stalls, senators are continuing to plead their case, hoping further discussion will move the election reform bill, which President Donald Trump has called a top priority, one way or the other

Saturday, GOP leadership highlighted one particular amendment to the bill they feel should have bipartisan support: a photo ID requirement that would have voters across the nation show one of five different types of identification to cast their ballot.

“This indeed would enshrine a national standard that would provide election integrity to our nation. And I offered that clean legislation and the Democrats blocked it,” said Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio).

Republicans called out Democrats for blocking the bill, legislation Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats oppose.

“We are fighting this tooth and nail,” Schumer said.

The concern for them is more on the SAVE package as a whole, one that requires proof of citizenship to vote. Many on the left feel the measure would make it harder for millions of Americans to share their voice.

“They say, oh, this is just a voter ID… It is not a voter ID law. It is a law that will kick millions of Americans off the voting rolls,” Schumer said.

Senators voted Saturday on additions to SAVE, including a measure affecting transgender participation in sports and gender-affirming care for minors. The amendment failed, getting only 49 votes despite needing 60.

Republicans, who expected the amendment to fail, said they wanted to get Democrats on the record voting against policies they believe are popular with the American people.

The debate continues with no clear resolution in sight. Multiple studies have found the number of non-citizens attempting to vote in American elections numbers in the dozens at most.