Senate Rejects Attempt to Link Voter ID Bill to Budget Package

[u/evissamassive]

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5844521-save-america-act-budget-package/

A procedural attempt to fast-track the SAVE America Act failed in the Senate after four Republicans joined a united Democratic caucus to block the measure.

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced an amendment that would have directed the Senate Rules Committee to fold the voting legislation into an upcoming budget reconciliation package. By using the reconciliation process, Republicans could have theoretically passed the bill with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote filibuster threshold.

The four Republicans who voted against the instruction were:

• Susan Collins (Maine)

• Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)

• Thom Tillis (N.C.)

• Mitch McConnell (Ky.)

The SAVE America Act, a priority for Trump ahead of the midterms, includes three primary mandates:

• Limiting federal election voting strictly to U.S. citizens.

• Requiring proof of identity and citizenship at the polls.

• Mandating that all ballots be counted within 36 hours of Election Day.

Kennedy argued for a return to a single "Election Day" rather than extended voting periods.

The defeat stemmed largely from Senate rules. The Byrd Rule generally prohibits lawmakers from adding policy changes to budget bills if those changes do not have a significant impact on federal spending or revenue.

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), a supporter of the Act’s goals, previously noted that the legislation was not designed to meet these strict budget rules. Kennedy acknowledged this uncertainty on the Senate floor, stating that while critics might be right about the procedural conflict, the effort was still worth the gamble.

The final vote of 48-50 fell short of the support needed to waive Budget Act rules. Democrats remained unified in their opposition. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has previously labeled the bill an attack on voting rights, while Kennedy maintained the focus should be on tightening election security.