President Donald Trump is turning the stalled SAVE America Act into a leverage fight on Capitol Hill, tying the bill to unrelated Republican priorities as the party races to use its congressional majorities before the midterms. The SAVE America Act includes Trump’s long-sought voter ID and citizenship verification, which has faced obstacles in the Senate.
Trump’s Efforts
Trump has warned about the need for voter ID laws for years, including from the 2016 campaign trail. In late June, Trump announced a last-minute cancellation of the signing of the 21st Century ROAD Act of Housing, while issuing an ultimatum to get the SAVE Act passed.
The latest pressure point came Tuesday, when Trump tied the stalled elections bill to a proposed ‘Reconciliation 3.0’ package seeking $350 billion in new defense spending. ‘The SAVE AMERICA ACT, which everyone is asking for, paired with the full funding of our Great Department of War, can be passed, very quickly, ensuring that the United States of America stays FREE for Generations to come,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.
Reaction
Democratic lawmakers have argued the SAVE Act would create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters, disenfranchising them. ‘In fact, he won’t sign our bipartisan bill to finally bring relief to the housing market until he gets his SAVE Act to rig the midterms and kick millions of American citizens off the voter rolls. America First,’ said New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, referencing the housing act.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
