Pressure is increasing on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to keep the Senate in session until the passage of the SAVE America Act. With limited legislative days remaining before the scheduled August recess, 14 senators have either called for the cancellation of recess or expressed support for remaining in Washington until the GOP's voter ID and proof of citizenship bill is passed.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) leads the group, which includes Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Jim Banks (R-IN), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Ted Cruz (R-TX). Senators Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Todd Young (R-IN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Dave McCormick (R-PA) have also shown support for staying in Washington.
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) has not directly called for the cancellation of recess but expressed his commitment to ensuring a vote on the legislation. Lee, who sponsors the SAVE America Act, indicated he would object to any recess until the bill is passed and requested a roll call vote.
Scott expressed his support for Lee's position, stating he would vote to stay in session until the bill is passed. The Senate typically adjourns through unanimous consent, but an objection from Lee or another senator could force a roll call vote, which would require at least 50 senators' support.
Thune acknowledged the calls to stay in session but noted that remaining in Washington would not change the lack of Democratic support needed to overcome a filibuster. He questioned the likelihood of securing the necessary votes from Democrats for the SAVE America Act.
President Donald Trump has also urged Thune to keep the Senate in session until the bill is passed and reiterated his call to eliminate the filibuster. Republicans are aiming to address several significant pieces of legislation before the August recess, including a sanctions bill related to Russia and Iran and a continuing resolution to fund the government past September.
Thune mentioned that the Senate is considering whether budget reconciliation could be a viable path to pass parts of the SAVE America Act and expressed openness to staying in Washington if a potential outcome appears feasible.