White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is urging lawmakers from both parties to act quickly on the SAVE America Act. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt responded to questions about Republican leadership's efforts by emphasizing the need for 'Trump speed.' The bill, which passed the House last month, faces hurdles in the Senate.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Daily Wire correspondent Mary Margaret Olohan during a Wednesday press briefing that President Donald Trump wants Republican and Democratic lawmakers to move at “Trump speed” to pass the SAVE America Act and send it to his desk as soon as possible. This came in response to Olohan's question on whether the White House is satisfied with Republican leadership's efforts on the legislation. > “I think the president has made it very clear that he wants everyone on Capitol Hill to move as quickly as possible to get the SAVE America Act passed,” Leavitt said. “And he wants to see that legislation on his desk as soon as Republicans and Democrats can move to pass it.” Olohan pressed further: “But are there any lawmakers in Congress that the president is frustrated with on this matter and feels could be doing a better job?” Leavitt replied, “I think the president wants to see everybody on Capitol Hill move faster all the time. He wants everyone in this town to work at Trump speed like we do here at the White House.” The SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, mandates voter ID and imposes restrictions on mail-in voting, passed the House last month. It advanced past a legislative hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday night but still needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, with Democrats united in opposition. At least one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, has voiced opposition. Earlier this month, Trump called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to “be a leader” and “get [the votes],” describing it as “the most popular bill put before Congress.” Around half of Republican senators support a talking filibuster to force Democrats to speak nonstop, though many GOP members and Thune deem changing filibuster rules “complicated and risky.” Trump has stated he will not sign any legislation until the SAVE America Act reaches his desk and opposes a Department of Homeland Security funding deal unless Democrats vote for it.
