Trump Declares No Bill Signing Until SAVE America Act is Enacted
President Trump made a bold declaration on Sunday, stating he will refuse to sign any legislation until the SAVE America Act is enacted. He emphasized that a diluted version of the act would be unacceptable.
This proposed legislation aims to significantly reform voting laws, mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration across the nation. However, it faces considerable challenges in the Senate, as noncitizen voting remains both illegal and rare.
“It supersedes everything else. MUST GO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE. I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed, AND NOT THE WATERED DOWN VERSION — GO FOR THE GOLD: MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. & PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS EXCEPT FOR MILITARY — ILLNESS, DISABILITY, TRAVEL: NO MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS: NO TRANSGENDER MUTILIZATION FOR CHILDREN! DO NOT FAIL!!!” Trump expressed emphatically on Truth Social.
In a recent phone conversation with NBC News, Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with the bill's lack of progress, stating he has communicated his concerns to various parties involved.
“I would close government over it,” he asserted. “To me, that’s a core belief.”
The House of Representatives forwarded the bill to the Senate last month, but Trump’s social media remarks indicate he seeks additional provisions regarding gender issues that are not included in the current House-approved version.
As the government teeters on the brink of a partial shutdown due to funding disputes related to the Department of Homeland Security, Trump's ultimatum raises questions about potential legislative gridlock. Even if Congress reaches an agreement, his refusal to sign could complicate matters further.
Notably, legislation automatically becomes law if the president does not act within ten days of its passage.
During his State of the Union address last month, Trump urged Congress to prioritize the SAVE America Act, specifically calling out Senate Majority Leader John Thune for attention.
Thune faces mounting pressure from the bill's sponsor, Senator Mike Lee, and House Republicans to employ a “talking filibuster” strategy to circumvent the 60-vote requirement for passage.
Thune acknowledged the Senate's intent to advance the SAVE Act but noted that reopening the government amid a talking filibuster would be challenging. He also remarked on the lack of unity within the Republican conference regarding this issue.
Democrats have voiced strong opposition to the bill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded to Trump's announcement by asserting that the SAVE Act would disenfranchise millions of voters.
“If Trump is saying he won’t sign any bills until the SAVE Act is passed, then so be it: there will be total gridlock in the Senate,” Schumer stated on X. “Senate Democrats will not help pass the SAVE Act under any circumstances.”
