The congressional Republican party is in disarray due to infighting over the SAVE America Act, which has stalled the election bill. Despite this, President Donald Trump has gained a notable ally in his bid to pass the bill, with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy expressing his support for the election integrity measure. McCarthy indicated that Trump should continue to use all available tools to pressure the Senate to pass the bill. The former speaker believes Trump will try everything to ensure the bill's passage.
McCarthy's comments came after Trump abruptly called off a signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill, in an effort to pressure the Republican-controlled Senate to act on the SAVE America Act. The move surprised Republican lawmakers, who were praising the bill's passage at a press conference when the news broke. Trump has repeatedly stated that the election measure, which requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and voter identification requirements, is his top legislative priority.
The legislation's momentum has slowed in the Senate, where Republican leadership claims the votes are not there due to widespread Democratic opposition. Senate Republicans are also unwilling to eliminate the legislative filibuster, which requires a 60-vote threshold to pass the legislation. A group of conservative lawmakers has shut down the House floor in an effort to force Senate action on the election bill, but the Senate has recessed for two weeks over the July 4 holiday, leaving the measure in limbo.
The conservative-led blockade has sparked fierce backlash, with several members of the GOP conference expressing concerns that the move risks torpedoing their own legislative agenda. The House has yet to pass a version of the legislation incorporating several of the president's priorities, including a mail-in voting crackdown and provisions banning men from competing in women's sports and child sex change procedures. Trump's next move on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is uncertain, with a 10-day window to sign or veto the package.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has confirmed that the housing bill has been transmitted to the White House for Trump's signature, following a meeting with the president. If Trump does not sign the package within the 10-day period, it will automatically become law. The president's decision on the housing bill is being closely watched, as it may indicate his willingness to work with Congress on other legislative priorities.
