House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is intensifying efforts to persuade GOP holdouts as a legislative blockade shows signs of easing. House Republicans are scheduled to meet on Tuesday morning for the first time since leaving Washington last month, following a blockade that halted votes for two consecutive weeks.
Johnson plans to introduce a procedural measure on Tuesday afternoon, requiring support from GOP members who are insisting on the passage of the SAVE America Act and the codification of former President Donald Trump’s border policies to proceed.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who is leading the faction advocating for the SAVE America Act, indicated her willingness to vote to reopen the floor, provided that the act is attached to all must-pass bills sent to the Senate. She emphasized that if Senate leadership removes the act, it would reflect poorly on them.
The SAVE America Act, which mandates voter ID for ballots and proof of citizenship for voter registration, has previously passed in the House but is stalled in the Senate due to insufficient support to overcome the filibuster.
Additionally, House leadership has included a measure to make daylight saving time permanent, which is a priority for Florida Republicans, as a potential incentive for Luna’s support.
Johnson faces challenges in gaining support from another group of GOP holdouts who feel that leadership has not fulfilled promises regarding border policy votes. With a slim Republican majority, Johnson can only afford to lose three votes before needing Democratic support.
An anticipated appearance by Vice President JD Vance at the Tuesday conference was canceled due to a scheduling conflict. Meanwhile, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought met with the House Freedom Caucus to discuss potential frameworks for a third reconciliation bill that may include elements of the SAVE America Act.
Despite ongoing discussions, some members of the House Freedom Caucus remain undecided on the procedural measure, with Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) expressing a need for more concrete actions regarding border policy before supporting the measure. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) also indicated he would oppose the measure unless there are changes related to border security and citizenship issues.