House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced plans to move President Donald Trump’s “SAVE America Act” through the budget reconciliation process. This legislative maneuver, which requires only a simple majority, is intended to bypass potential Senate filibusters and secure the bill’s passage into law.
Following a procedural blockade by conservative hardliners last week that stalled House floor proceedings, Johnson indicated he will link the voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements to a must-pass bipartisan defense policy package. The strategy is designed to pressure Senate Republican leadership, who have expressed skepticism regarding the bill’s eligibility under strict reconciliation rules.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has previously warned that attaching controversial election reforms to the National Defense Authorization Act could jeopardize the entire defense package. Despite this, Johnson remains optimistic, telling Fox News on Sunday that the focus will remain on core election integrity measures to ensure the bill gains support. The Speaker intends to present a framework for the legislation later this month.