The U.S. Senate concluded a lengthy all-night session without passing former President Donald Trump's SAVE America Act, postponing the effort until after the August recess. The failure to advance the act, a priority for many Republicans, occurred despite assurances from proponents that they would prevent adjournment without its passage.
Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, who had pledged to object and force a floor vote on the SAVE America Act, ultimately did not block the Senate's adjournment. While Lee and other Republicans voiced opposition during a voice vote, their efforts were unsuccessful in preventing the Senate from leaving Washington.
Budget Blueprint Delayed
The stalled budget blueprint, designed to facilitate the passage of parts of the SAVE America Act through reconciliation, also faced significant setbacks. President Trump had reportedly urged Republicans to halt progress on this front. Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis., now leading the Senate Budget Committee, indicated plans to revise the budget resolution, potentially including increased funding for the Pentagon, a move aligned with Trump's directives.
This delay diminishes the likelihood of Republicans passing another budget resolution and a subsequent reconciliation package before the post-election lame-duck session.
College Sports Bill Stalls
A significant portion of the overnight session was consumed by debate over a substantial college sports bill concerning name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations. Championed by Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the bill encountered resistance from several Republican senators. Despite Trump's public calls for its passage, the legislation was ultimately stripped from the larger floor agreement and deferred to September following discussions between Cruz, Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
Cruz stated his commitment to passing the bill, asserting it would "deliver results for hundreds of thousands of student-athletes and bring stability to college athletics."
Attorney General Confirmation
Amidst the legislative wrangling, the confirmation of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche proceeded. The process was nearly derailed by exhausted lawmakers, with key votes from Senators James Lankford, R-Okla., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., being crucial for the 50-49 confirmation. Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., criticized the Senate's decision to adjourn for recess without addressing the SAVE America Act and also called for the prosecution of Dr. Anthony Fauci, referencing his newly released phone records.