A second Senate push to advance one of President Donald Trump’s signature election proposals collapsed Thursday after a handful of Republicans joined Democrats to block the measure, underscoring the challenges the legislation continues to face in the upper chamber.
According to Fox News, the effort centered on the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, a voter-identification and election-integrity bill backed by Trump and many Senate Republicans.
Republican leaders attempted to attach the legislation to a nearly $70 billion budget reconciliation package focused on funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol.
But the strategy fell short.
Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined Democrats in opposing the amendment, preventing it from reaching the 60-vote threshold required for passage.
The vote marked the second time Republicans have failed to move the SAVE America Act forward after making it a major legislative priority.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., offered the amendment and sharply criticized Democratic opposition during floor debate.
“There’s no other reason to say you don’t have to have an ID. It just makes cheating easier,” Graham said. “Who wants a noncitizen voting in our election if you’re against that, that makes me wonder.”
Graham also broadened his remarks to include other cultural and political issues.
“And biological males playing girls sports [is] not good for anybody, and a minor should not be allowed to transition their sex,” he continued. “That’s the biggest change you can make in your entire life. You shouldn’t be allowed to do that as a minor. This is what we say. What do you say?”
Democrats pushed back, arguing that existing election safeguards are already sufficient.
Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., pointed to the bill’s earlier defeat and said the proposal was unnecessary.
“Current safeguards are working,” Padilla said. “And yes, it is already unlawful for non-citizens to vote in the United States.”
Padilla argued the amendment reflected broader Republican efforts tied to election administration.
“What this amendment does is mirrors earlier attempts to push through the president’s priorities, to try to take over elections, to ban vote by mail.”
He also criticized comments made during the debate about transgender issues.
“And while we’re at it, while they’re at it, attacking trans folks during pride month, that’s pretty damn offensive,” Padilla said.
The failed vote further highlighted the political reality facing the SAVE America Act. Despite strong backing from many Republicans and repeated efforts to bring it to the floor, the measure continues to face unified Democratic opposition. It lacks support from the entire Republican conference.
With Republicans unable to secure the votes needed to advance the proposal, the legislation remains stalled even as the Senate continues work on immigration enforcement funding and other priorities.
