The Senate skipped town Saturday for its August recess without passing President Donald Trump’s legislative priority, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
Republican Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, and Rick Scott of Florida stood down from a planned budget resolution for Reconciliation 3.0 after they determined it did not have the votes to pass late Friday, The Hill reported. The Republicans instead secured a vote on a photo ID requirement for federal elections sponsored by Republican Ohio Sen. Jon Husted. That measure, however, was opposed by every Democrat, receiving 52 of the 60 votes needed to advance.
“Obviously, with the president at his direction, this is what he wants to do,” Johnson, following a Friday phone conversation those senators had with the president, said, Scripps News reported.
“[The] SAVE America Act is a very important thing,” Trump had said in a Thursday interview with Punchbowl News. “John’s trying. He’s trying hard. I really believe that. But if he doesn’t get there, it would be unfortunate.”
The postponed $95 billion reconciliation package was intended to advance election integrity priorities, fund the Iran war, and provide aid to farmers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune ultimately refused Trump’s calls to cancel the August recess and stay in session to pass the election integrity bill.
The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
“This fight isn’t over. We have a job to do, and I’m looking forward to getting this done with you, my friend,” Scott said in a Saturday X post.
Thank you, @SenRonJohnson for your hard work on a budget resolution to deliver on @POTUS’ agenda and secure our elections.
This fight isn’t over. We have a job to do, and I’m looking forward to getting this done with you, my friend. https://t.co/usQTlvfWN1
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 8, 2026
Lee voiced his opposition to going to recess just hours before the decision.
“I’ve objected to a time agreement that would lock-in leaving for August recess without a vote,” Lee said in a Friday X post. “We can’t commit to summer vacation before we commit to secure elections.”
I’ve objected to a time agreement that would lock-in leaving for August recess without a vote.
We can’t commit to summer vacation before we commit to secure elections.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 7, 2026
The Senate previously left for a two-week recess in late June while the SAVE America Act was stalled.
Under the SAVE America Act, Americans would need to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote and show photo identification in order to cast a ballot, according to the legislation.
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