Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) responded to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's statement regarding President Donald Trump's patience with the Senate's progress on the Save America Act. Thune emphasized the need for the White House to engage with senators to secure votes, stating, "She or somebody else ought to get on the phone and get the votes, right."
During a press briefing, Leavitt confirmed that Trump's patience is "running out" and expressed the desire for the Save America Act to be passed before the August recess, citing public support for the legislation.
Thune's colleagues, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), defended him, asserting confidence in his leadership. The Save America Act, which aims to implement voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship for voter registration, has faced challenges in the Senate due to the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Thune noted that there are not enough Democratic votes to overcome this hurdle, and he has indicated that there is insufficient Republican support to eliminate the filibuster.
Trump has continued to push for the act's passage, urging attendees at a recent rally in Georgia to contact Thune and other senators to advocate for the legislation. Leavitt reiterated the Republican majority's responsibility to act, stating, "The House did its job. The Senate needs to do its job, too."