'Cancel recess': Pressure mounts on Thune as Senate GOP urges delaying break to pass SAVE Act

WASHINGTON, DC: Pressure is mounting on Senate Majority Leader John Thune from within the Republican conference as several GOP senators call for delaying the Senate's August recess until the SAVE America Act receives a vote.

The push comes days after the House passed the legislation for a fifth time by attaching it to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and sending it to the Senate. While Thune has questioned whether the proposal has enough support or can be implemented before the November midterms, a growing number of GOP lawmakers are urging the Senate to stay in session until it is passed. 

Senate Republicans push John Thune to delay August recess over SAVE America Act

Senator John Kennedy (R-La) said the chamber should focus on passing the SAVE America Act rather than negotiating with Democrats over government funding. "I think he's just being too cautious," Kennedy said of Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

"He wants to spend the rest of our time talking with Senator Schumer about shutting down government," he added. "I don't think Chuck can agree with us. I think he's gonna shut down government. I wanna go back."

Kennedy also dismissed concerns that advancing the SAVE America Act this close to the midterms could undermine confidence in the election process.

“No,” he said. “You have to prove who you say you are to register and to vote… That to me is what the SAVE Act is all about, and I think we can pass it.”

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), who has repeatedly urged leadership to keep senators in Washington, wrote on X, "The Senate doesn't need a summer vacation as much as the country needs the SAVE America Act. Let's cancel recess."

Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla) echoed that position, writing, "I stand with Mike Lee, I will vote to stay in session unless we have passed the SAVE America Act. The American people expect us to deliver. They deserve secure elections."

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind) also urged Senate Republicans to move quickly, arguing the chamber should "do whatever it takes" to pass the legislation.

"Well, this is the fifth time the House has passed the Save America Act. I'm frustrated too," Banks said. "The Senate should abandon the so-called traditions and the filibuster rules, nuke the filibuster, do whatever it takes to pass the Save America Act."

House passes SAVE America Act again as Senate vote remains uncertain

The renewed pressure comes after House Republicans last week approved the nearly $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act and attached the SAVE America Act through the legislative process known as MIRVing before sending the package to the Senate.

Senate Republicans have attempted multiple times to advance the legislation but have so far fallen short of the votes needed for passage, with Democrats opposing the bill and some Republicans also expressing reservations.

Thune has previously said there is not currently enough support to pass the legislation and has also questioned whether states would have enough time to implement its provisions before the November elections.