Senate Republicans are increasingly divided over how – or whether – to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping elections overhaul, a measure he has called his “No. 1 priority.”
The fate of the proposed SAVE America Act grew murkier Monday as GOP senators clashed over the strategy needed to overcome Democratic opposition in the closely divided chamber, NBC News reported.
Some Republicans argue that a so-called “talking filibuster” could be used to pressure Democrats into allowing the bill to pass, even though similar efforts have historically failed. But others remain skeptical.
"Another GOP senator proposed a different path with less support," according to NBC News. "And the Senate's top Republican emphasized that the path is 'unclear' as the 60-vote rule may be too difficult to overcome."
“Having studied it and researched it pretty thoroughly, you have to show me how, in the end, it prevails and succeeds,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters. “We can’t find a piece of legislation in history that’s been passed that way.”
Meanwhile, Trump, speaking to House Republicans in Florida, urged lawmakers to revise the proposal and add additional provisions.
“This is the No. 1 priority,” the MAGA leader said.
The legislation – sponsored by Rep. Mike Lee (R-UT) – includes stricter voter identification requirements and proof-of-citizenship rules while severely limiting mail-in voting, according to NBC News.
