Trump calls on Senate Republicans to cancel August vacation, pass voter ID bill
by George Caldwell · The Washington TimesPresident Trump on Monday urged Senate Republicans to cancel plans for a monthlong August break until they pass the Save America Act.
He directed Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep the Senate open until it finishes the long-stalled voter ID bill.
“John Thune should not allow the United States Senate to ‘leave town’ until it passes The Save America Act,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. The bill, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID at the polls, is Mr. Trump’s top legislative priority.
Friday is the chamber’s last scheduled workday before its summer recess.
The president also wants the bill to include restrictions on mail-in ballots and transgender surgeries for minors.
What’s more, the president urged Mr. Thune, a South Dakota Republican, to terminate the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster threshold so Republicans can “quickly pass everything they ever dreamed of,” including budgetary legislation and raising the nation’s debt ceiling.
Mr. Thune has repeatedly ruled out overriding the filibuster and said the SAVE America Act does not have enough support to pass.
Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Mr. Trump’s “patience is running out” with Mr. Thune over inaction on the bill.
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On Thursday, Mr. Thune responded to her, telling reporters, “Instead of, you know, pointing the finger at Republicans, they might think about going after the people who are stopping it on the floor, which is the Democrats.”
He added, “And if there are Republicans that they think are gettable, get on the phone. Let’s get them to yes.”
Last year, Mr. Trump also urged Republicans not to recess in August and to focus on confirming his nominees.
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George Caldwell
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