President Donald Trump's legislative priority, the SAVE America Act, has encountered a significant obstacle with the recent passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Graham, who chaired the Senate Budget Committee, was a crucial advocate for the bill, which aims to bolster election integrity measures.
The unexpected death of Graham has created a void in the Republican party's efforts to advance the SAVE America Act, particularly through the budget reconciliation process, which allows for passage with a simple majority.
Graham had been a vocal proponent of the bill, expressing his intention to secure a "down payment" on its provisions, including establishing grant programs for voter integrity laws with conditions such as purging voter rolls of non-citizens and implementing voter ID systems. His leadership on the Senate Budget Committee was seen as instrumental in guiding the bill through the chamber.
Trump acknowledged the loss, stating that Graham's death was a "big blow" to the SAVE America Act.
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., is expected to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Budget Committee. Johnson has begun familiarizing himself with the committee's staff and has been in communication with his House counterpart, House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington, R-Texas. Johnson has reportedly reviewed the House's version of the SAVE America Act plan, prepared by House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil.
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However, the path forward remains challenging. A faction of Senate Republicans has previously joined Democrats in blocking the SAVE America Act. The timeline for legislative action is also tight, as both the House and Senate face busy schedules and upcoming deadlines, including a potential government funding fight in September. The House is expected to produce a version of the bill, but its passage in the Senate is not guaranteed.
"The path to 51 is going to be a bumpy one, I think over here," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., regarding the bill's prospects.
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