relay
Jun 03, 2026

‘Must Be Done’: Republicans Turn on Thune, Demand Passage Of SAVE Act

With fewer than 100 days remaining before voters head to the polls in the midterm elections, pressure is growing inside the Republican Party to move more of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda across the finish line.

One Republican senator is now publicly urging Senate leadership to pick up the pace, arguing that time is running short to deliver on several key priorities before lawmakers leave Washington for the campaign season.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to move more aggressively in advancing President Trump’s agenda, saying he believes Republicans should stop waiting for Democratic cooperation and begin bringing major legislation to the Senate floor.

Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Kennedy praised Thune personally but argued the Senate leader has been too cautious.

“Look, I mean no disrespect. I love John Thune. He’s my leader. He’s got a big brain. He’s better looking than me, but I think he’s just being too cautious,” Kennedy said.

Trump, Thune clash over cancelling August recess to debate SAVE America Act

Kennedy argued that negotiations with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are unlikely to produce an agreement on government funding.

“I think he’s going to shut down government,” Kennedy predicted, referring to Schumer.

Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to fund the federal government before a partial shutdown would begin.

The Senate is scheduled to remain in session through Aug. 7 before taking a five-week recess and returning in mid-September.

Kennedy said Republicans should use the remaining legislative days to advance several major pieces of legislation supported by President Trump.

Among those priorities, Kennedy listed the House budget resolution, additional defense funding, assistance for farmers, the cryptocurrency market structure bill and legislation imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.

He also argued that sanctions targeting Iran should be added to the Russia sanctions package named in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Perhaps Kennedy’s strongest push centered on the SAVE America Act, legislation backed by President Trump that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote for federal elections and would establish additional voter identification requirements.

Republicans have repeatedly attempted to bring the bill up for consideration in the Senate, but Democrats have blocked those efforts.

Kennedy argued the proposal is important for maintaining confidence in federal elections.

Other posts