GOP Revolt Grows: Republicans Push Thune to Advance SAVE Act

Republican Priorities Under Pressure

Kennedy said Republicans should use the remaining legislative days to advance several major pieces of legislation supported by President Trump. Among those priorities, Kennedy listed the House budget resolution, additional defense funding, assistance for farmers, the cryptocurrency market structure bill and legislation imposing tougher sanctions on Russia. He also argued that sanctions targeting Iran should be added to the Russia sanctions package named in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Perhaps Kennedy’s strongest push centered on the SAVE America Act, legislation backed by President Trump that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote for federal elections and would establish additional voter identification requirements. Republicans have repeatedly attempted to bring the bill up for consideration in the Senate, but Democrats have blocked those efforts. Kennedy argued the proposal is important for maintaining confidence in federal elections.