Senate Democrats Block Voter ID Bill as Senate Adjourns

The U.S. Senate adjourned for summer recess early Saturday morning after failing to pass the SAVE America Act, a proof-of-citizenship voting bill demanded by Donald Trump. During the final session, Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, blocked a GOP-sponsored amendment introduced by Senator Jon Husted that would have required valid identification for voters in federal elections. The entire Democratic caucus voted against the measure, despite previous claims from Schumer that Democrats support voter ID.

President Trump had pressured Senate Majority Leader John Thune to secure the necessary votes, including suggestions to abandon filibuster rules. A group of Republicans, led by Senator Mike Lee, initially blocked adjournment until a late-evening call with the president established an alternative strategy. This plan, coordinated by Budget Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, involves attempting to include elements of the voting bill in a GOP budget package in September to fund the Pentagon and the Iran war.

While the voting legislation failed, the Senate did complete other priorities during a 20-hour session. Lawmakers confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general and approved a bipartisan government funding package effective through December, along with a Russian sanctions package to aid Ukraine.