Trump’s GOP Trying One More Time
House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are preparing another attempt to pass one of President Donald Trump’s top election priorities, setting the stage for a renewed battle over election security ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Johnson announced that House Republicans intend to include the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in a future budget reconciliation package, giving the legislation another opportunity to advance despite repeated setbacks in the Senate.
“The president has that as one of his top priorities, and it’s one of mine as well,” Johnson said. “We’ve passed it three times in the House. We’re going to try again through reconciliation because I believe that’s our best path to getting it through the Senate and onto the president’s desk.”
Republicans Renew Focus on Election Integrity
Johnson described the SAVE Act as a key piece of President Trump’s broader election security agenda.
Under the proposal, anyone registering to vote in federal elections would be required to verify their U.S. citizenship. The measure would also require voters to show a valid photo ID before receiving a ballot.
Supporters argue those requirements would strengthen confidence in American elections by ensuring only eligible citizens can vote.
Johnson acknowledged that additional election reforms, including changes to mail-in voting rules, could be considered in the future. However, he said the immediate priority is advancing the core provisions focused on citizenship verification and voter identification.
According to Johnson, those measures directly address concerns many Americans continue to express about election integrity.
Johnson Responds to Anna Paulina Luna’s Pressure Campaign
Johnson also addressed recent efforts by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna to push Republican leadership into moving the legislation more aggressively.
Last month, Luna temporarily blocked House procedural business while urging GOP leaders to attach the SAVE Act to legislation that would be difficult for Congress to reject. She later posted on social media that she was willing to face criticism from fellow lawmakers if it meant advancing the bill.
Johnson dismissed any suggestion that Republicans are divided over the issue.
“Nobody’s upset with Anna,” he said. “We all want the same result. She’s a good friend, she’s a team player, and we’re going to get this done.”
He noted that House Republicans have already approved the legislation three separate times and reiterated his plan to include it in a reconciliation package to improve its chances of clearing the Senate.
Luna has also argued that the bill could be attached to major legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act or another party-line reconciliation measure.
Senate Vote Remains the Biggest Hurdle
Although Republicans control the Senate with 53 seats, Johnson acknowledged that advancing the SAVE Act under normal Senate rules remains difficult.
Most legislation requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, meaning Republicans would likely need support from at least seven Democrats.
Johnson expressed skepticism that enough Democratic senators would support the proposal, arguing that election laws remain one of the most politically divisive issues in Washington.
Using the budget reconciliation process could provide Republicans with an alternative legislative strategy, although what provisions would ultimately qualify under Senate rules remains uncertain.
Democrats Continue to Oppose the SAVE Act
Democrats have remained firmly opposed to the legislation.
Critics argue the proposal could create additional hurdles for eligible voters, including married women whose legal documents may not match their birth certificates, as well as some college students and minority voters.
Supporters reject those claims, saying the bill simply requires proof of citizenship and voter identification while protecting the integrity of federal elections.
The debate reflects broader disagreements over how states and the federal government should balance election access with election security.
Thom Tillis Questions the Bill’s Chances
Not every Republican is convinced the legislation can become law before the next election cycle.
Last week, Sen. Thom Tillis said the SAVE Act faces significant obstacles unless Republicans can secure enough Senate votes to overcome procedural rules.
Without bipartisan support—or another legislative path—Tillis suggested the proposal has little chance of reaching the president’s desk before the 2026 midterm elections.
What’s Next?
House Republicans appear determined to keep the SAVE Act at the center of their election agenda.
With President Trump backing the proposal and Speaker Johnson promising another vote, the legislation is expected to remain a major issue as Congress debates election policy, voter identification requirements, and broader election security reforms in the months ahead.
Whether Republicans can overcome the Senate’s procedural hurdles could determine whether one of the party’s highest-profile election priorities finally becomes law.
