Congressional Republicans aim to pass key elements of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act before year-end. The bill, supported by former President Donald Trump, faces opposition from Democrats and has stalled in Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., hesitates to bring it to a vote, as it is unlikely to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to break a filibuster.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is advocating for using the budget reconciliation process to bypass the filibuster, allowing Republicans to advance the bill without minority input. This process can reduce the required votes from 60 to 50. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., leading the Committee on House Administration, is responsible for overseeing this effort.
“I’d rather pass the SAVE America Act. But recognizing the Senate might not do that with the 60-vote threshold, let’s leverage the parliamentary procedure, bring that threshold down to 50, and get some commonsense reforms done,” Steil told Fox News Digital.
Steil expressed a desire to pass a reconciliation bill containing the SAVE America Act before the November midterm elections, but he acknowledged the time constraints. The reconciliation process involves passing budget frameworks, with committees enacting policies affecting spending or funding cuts. These policies are later combined into one comprehensive bill requiring approval from both legislative bodies to reach the President’s desk.
Steil’s panel seeks to include proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration and a nationwide photo ID mandate. The bill’s progress faces challenges, as the Senate parliamentarian may exclude elements that do not impact the federal budget, tax policy, or national debt.
Steil suggested that components of the SAVE America Act could secure passage by impacting funds under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which offers states funding for post-election audits and implementing Real ID standards to verify citizenship.
The Trump administration supports this push. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought mentioned the reconciliation process as the best way to achieve the GOP’s election reforms. “The White House is engaged,” Steil mentioned.
The House passed a $95 billion reconciliation bill this summer to bolster the military and election security. However, the Senate Budget Committee’s framework, with a proposed $150 billion spending, awaits further action.
House Speaker Johnson acknowledged the urgency, stating, “We passed the SAVE America Act four times in the House. This is the last best effort to get it through the Senate.” Ensuring military and election security are crucial goals, according to Steil, who remains hopeful for an agreement.