This week on the hill: Marathon debate on SAVE America Act enters second week

The Senate’s marathon debate on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act is set to enter its second week, as President Trump and conservative allies ramp up pressure to push the measure through the upper chamber.

Trump declared on Truth Social last week that the SAVE America Act is “one of the most IMPORTANT & CONSEQUENTIAL pieces of legislation in the history of Congress and America itself,” and he vowed to withhold support from any Republican who opposes it. 

The bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in elections and the presentation of an ID to cast a ballot. It is already illegal under current law for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), a leading proponent of the bill, said last week that “if we don’t get it done or at least do everything we possibly can to try to get it passed, I think there is a very significant risk that our own base doesn’t show up for us in November.” 

But despite the prolonged floor debate, the bill is expected to fail, given that some Democratic support would be needed to overcome a filibuster. No Democrat is expected to back the bill. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) previously said in a press call the SAVE America Act is “one of the most despicable pieces of legislation I’ve come across in the many years I’ve been a legislator.” 

What else you can expect this week:

DHS shutdown drags on: The White House and Senate Democrats remain at an impasse over a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as administration officials reach out to centrist Democrats.

House Democrats to force vote on Iran war powers resolution: House Democrats plan to force a vote on another Iran war powers resolution this week. The last war powers resolution failed to pass the House by a vote of 212-219.

Senate to vote on Mullin confirmation: The Senate will hold a final vote to confirm Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as the new head of DHS. 

Thune faces pressure to get SAVE America Act across finish line

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) faces a challenging week ahead, as the upper chamber is set to begin a two-week recess on March 30, intensifying pressure from conservatives to pass the SAVE America Act before the break.

But Democrats have indicated they won’t budge in their opposition to the bill. 

Many House Republicans have pushed Thune to sidestep Democratic opposition by returning to a “talking filibuster,” which would force Democrats to speak continuously on the Senate floor to delay the bill. In such a scenario, if Democrats ceded the floor, Republicans could pass the measure with 51 votes. 

But Thune has opted against using such a procedure, which he has previously........

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