By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump on March 9 again urged House Republicans to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which remains stalled in the Senate. He said the legislation should be the party’s main focus ahead of the midterm elections later this year.
Trump spoke at a House Republican policy retreat at his golf club in Doral, Florida, telling lawmakers that passing the elections bill through the Senate—with additional provisions—could help prevent Democrats from retaking the House.
“I’m making my biggest plea tonight … it’ll guarantee the midterms. If you don’t get it, big trouble, my opinion,” Trump said.
The SAVE Act would require voter applicants to provide proof of citizenship in person at their local election office, such as a valid U.S. passport along with a government-issued photo ID and a certified birth certificate.
The United States House of Representatives passed the bill in February and sent it to the United States Senate, where it has stalled. Under Senate rules, the measure would need to clear the 60-vote filibuster threshold, meaning several Democrats would have to join Republicans to pass it.
Democrats have criticized the legislation, arguing that it could disenfranchise certain voters, particularly low-income Americans who may not have driver’s licenses or may struggle to obtain government identification.
Trump has urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to consider using the “talking filibuster” approach to move the bill forward and has said he would not sign additional legislation until the SAVE Act becomes law.
Thune, however, warned that using a talking filibuster could be more complicated than it appears.
“This particular approach, in terms of the process, is much more complicated and risky than people are assuming at the moment,” Thune told reporters.
He said bypassing a formal rules change could consume months of Senate floor time because there are not enough votes to alter the chamber’s rules.
Proposed Provisions
Trump also called on Republicans to expand the SAVE Act with additional provisions, including significant restrictions on mail-in voting and a ban on gender-related surgery for minors. He has also urged lawmakers to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
The president said he would prefer to limit mail-in voting almost entirely, allowing exceptions only for U.S. service members, people with disabilities, Americans traveling abroad, or those with a valid reason.
He urged Republican lawmakers to make the legislation their top priority before the midterms.
“Let’s go for the gold,” Trump said. “It’s actually a matter, in a serious way, of national survival. We can’t have these elections going on like this anymore.”
Trump added that congressional Republicans “have to get it done,” even if it takes several months.
“I don’t think we should approve anything until this is approved,” he said.
During a press conference after his speech, Trump was asked whether he would maintain that stance even if it delayed confirmation of his nominee to lead the United States Department of Homeland Security, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, or postponed legislation to end the department’s ongoing shutdown.
“So in order to get it, you’re going to need Democratic votes,” Trump said, suggesting the SAVE Act is supported by many Democratic voters but opposed by party leadership.
The president did not say whether he would sign a funding bill for the Homeland Security Department if Congress fails to pass the SAVE Act first.
During the speech, Trump also highlighted his administration’s efforts to lower drug prices, defended the ongoing military campaign in Iran, and repeated his long-standing call for Republicans to develop a health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.
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