In a curious twist of political fate, Congressional Republicans are proving that they won’t be easily swayed by President Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding the SAVE America Act as they prepare for the midterms. On Tuesday, lawmakers made it abundantly clear that they wish to extricate themselves from the contentious partisan election legislation, which Trump insisted must be on his desk before he considers signing any other bills.
During their retreat in Doral, Florida, House Republicans swiftly labeled the situation a “Senate problem” and continued to focus on their policy goals for the remainder of 2026. As they engage in this tactical sidestep, Senate GOP leaders are scrambling to demonstrate to Trump that pushing the SAVE America Act through is a pipe dream — all in a bid to pivot to more palatable matters.
— Senate Show Vote:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is gearing up to present the GOP’s election bill next week, but with the chamber’s 60-vote requirement looming overhead, its passage is as likely as snow in July, particularly with Democratic opposition solid as a rock. Thune’s move comes amidst a growing pressure campaign from Trump, Senate colleagues, and even Elon Musk, who are advocating for a “talking filibuster.” This strategy would force Democrats to continuously hold the floor if they want to block the bill.
Yet, Thune remains pragmatic, stating, “The votes aren’t there for a talking filibuster.” His clarity of vision is refreshing in a landscape often clouded by political ambition. “I’m the one who has to be the clear-eyed realist about what we can achieve,” he remarked, revealing a certain resignation to the political math that currently favors inaction.
In the end, Thune is hopeful that Trump will come around and agree to sign other crucial legislation, such as a bipartisan housing affordability package that saw an overwhelming 89 senators voting to advance it on Tuesday.
— House Has Its Own Plans:
As the House Republicans conclude their annual policy summit in Doral, they are meticulously crafting a legislative agenda for the election year. Notably, an updated version of Trump’s prized SAVE America Act has not made it to the forefront of their priorities.
Speaker Mike Johnson and other prominent GOP leaders have shown reluctance to endorse passing the elections overhaul a third time, especially with modifications that include a near-total ban on mail voting, a move that many Republicans oppose. Instead, they have laid out a series of initiatives that could garner some Democratic backing, such as reauthorizing essential water projects, advancing a highway infrastructure package, and possibly crafting a streamlined farm bill.
Furthermore, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is advocating for a revamped version of the GOP’s core immigration bill, which aims to reform the guest worker visa program. An earlier version of this legislation, known as H.R. 2, successfully passed in 2023 but has stagnated since the Republicans regained control.
House leaders have not dismissed the idea of advancing a second megabill through the budget reconciliation process, but what such a bill might entail remains unclear. Many within the party are skeptical about pursuing another party-line initiative, given the House GOP’s fragile and often discordant majority.
What Else We’re Watching:
— Key Epstein Deposition: On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee will depose Richard Kahn, Jeffrey Epstein’s accountant, as part of their investigation into the notorious sex offender. Kahn, a co-executor of Epstein’s estate, will likely face intense scrutiny regarding how Epstein amassed his wealth.
— CBO Director Testifies: A Senate Finance subcommittee is scheduled to convene at 3 p.m. for a hearing focusing on the fiscal outlook for the next decade, featuring testimony from Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel.
Jordain Carney, Meredith Lee Hill, Mia McCarthy, and Hailey Fuchs contributed to this report.
