hune: recess only gets scrapped if the votes show up

Thune Sets a Clear Bar for Cancelling the Recess

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) said he is open to scrapping the chamber's August recess, but only if Republicans can first demonstrate they have the votes to actually pass the SAVE America Act. Speaking to reporters, Thune framed the issue plainly: the budget resolution that would serve as the blueprint for a third reconciliation bill does not currently have the 50 votes needed to advance in the Senate. "As I've said before, you got to get to 50, and I can't count to 50 right now," Thune said.

His position is a direct rebuttal to pressure from the White House. President Trump has demanded that Thune cancel the chamber's upcoming August break until senators pass the strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill, even as Republicans lack the votes to do so. Thune's counter is that keeping the Senate in session without a credible path to passage would amount to little more than wasted time, filled with quorum calls and Democratic amendments.

The SAVE America Act, which stands for Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, would require Americans to prove citizenship when registering to vote, primarily through a valid passport or birth certificate, and would mandate photo identification before casting a ballot. The bill is well short of having enough Democratic support to overcome a filibuster. Not a single Democratic senator supports it.

A Vocal Minority Pushes Back

Senators Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Ashley Moody have all announced their intent to object to Thune calling for recess toward the end of the current work period. Typically, recess is a consent exercise in the Senate, meaning all lawmakers agree to leave. But a single senator can object on the floor and force a vote on whether the chamber stays or goes.

Trump has also renewed calls to eliminate the legislative filibuster entirely, which would allow Republicans to pass the bill with a simple majority. Thune is not willing to nix the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, and addressed Trump's demand that Republicans forgo the parliamentary rule and the upcoming recess to push the bill through. Four Republicans, including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mitch McConnell, previously voted against attaching the legislation to a reconciliation package.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned last week that Trump's patience was "running out" with Thune over the legislation, prompting the Senate Republican leader to fire back that the White House should focus its energy on Democrats blocking the bill and work the phones to get Republicans to a "yes" vote.

Sources:
PBS NewsHour: Trump demands Senate cancel August break until it passes the SAVE America Act
The Hill: Trump, Thune clash over cancelling August recess to debate SAVE America Act
Fox News: Trump pressures Thune to scrap August recess over SAVE America Act