President Donald Trump is calling on the Senate to forgo its customary August recess and remain in session until the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, is passed. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the chamber will adhere to its scheduled break, citing a lack of necessary votes for the legislation.
Trump has publicly stated his belief that passing the SAVE America Act is of paramount importance and that senators should remain in Washington. "They do what they want. But I think they should stay," the President said.
Thune, R-S.D., has pushed back against the President's demands, suggesting that extended sessions focused on quorum calls or votes on Democratic amendments would not be a productive use of time. "I don’t think having a Congress sitting around here for the month of August and quorum calls or having to vote on Democrat amendments is probably a good use of anybody’s time," Thune stated. He also noted that the SAVE America Act has already failed to pass the Senate twice, indicating no clear path to alter previous outcomes. Thune suggested that Trump and his team should engage with Republican senators to change their positions if they wish to see the bill advanced.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., acknowledged Thune's assertion about the vote count but expressed hope that senators might change their minds. Despite this, there appears to be no immediate prospect of a vote on the SAVE America Act.
Some senators, including Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Roger Marshall (R-Kas), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), have proposed that the Senate should not adjourn until the SAVE America Act is passed. However, procedural hurdles and constitutional requirements complicate any attempt to halt the recess or force a vote.
Under the Constitution, neither the House nor the Senate can adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other chamber. The House of Representatives is already out of session, making a joint adjournment resolution unlikely. Each chamber must at minimum hold brief "pro forma" sessions to comply with constitutional requirements.
If Thune or his designees are unable to secure unanimous consent for scheduled pro forma sessions, the Senate could default to meeting the next day. This process could theoretically be manipulated by senators seeking to delay adjournment or call attention to the SAVE America Act. Such actions could include demanding a vote on adjourning for the day and meeting on a subsequent day, or potentially holding extended speeches. However, these tactics are unlikely to result in the bill's passage.
Proponents of the SAVE America Act may leverage the recess by criticizing senators who leave Washington, aiming to score political points. This strategy could highlight divisions within the Republican party and draw attention to the bill's stalled progress. However, some Republican senators argue that taking time off is crucial for campaigning ahead of elections. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., expressed concern that remaining in Washington could negatively impact the party's electoral prospects.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has indicated she would not miss votes and expects the Senate to proceed with its scheduled recess. Ultimately, the Senate is expected to adjourn for the August recess as planned, despite President Trump's demands.