Senate Debates SAVE Act Amid DHS Shutdown

The U.S. Senate is engaged in a contentious debate over the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to present proof of citizenship, such as passports or birth certificates, when registering to vote. Republicans plan to bring the bill to a floor vote this week, despite Democrats' strong opposition and insufficient votes to overcome a filibuster.

The SAVE Act faces broad public support but is met with fierce resistance from Democrats who argue it would suppress voter turnout. According to State Department statistics, around half of Americans have valid passports, and 2.6 million lack government-issued photo IDs. The bill could disproportionately affect those who have legally changed their names, including transgender individuals and married women.

The House passed a version of the bill along party lines in February, but the Senate needs 60 votes to avoid a filibuster. With Republicans holding only a 53-47 majority, they would need support from at least seven Democrats to pass the legislation. Sen. John Fetterman (I-Pa.), who usually votes with Republicans, has indicated he is against the bill.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated his intention to bring the bill to a vote this week, aiming to put Democrats on record regarding their opposition. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed preparedness for the battle, calling the bill one of the worst things that has happened in terms of allowing people to vote.

The debate over the SAVE Act intensifies as some Republicans consider strategies like 'nuking' the filibuster or forcing Democrats into a traditional talking filibuster. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., suggested eliminating the filibuster to pass the bill, while others advocate for a prolonged debate to exhaust Democratic opposition.

In related developments, negotiations continue to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which has entered its 35th day. A bipartisan group of senators met behind closed doors with White House border czar Tom Homan, marking a small sign of progress. However, both sides remain far apart in their demands.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that classified briefings and regular news conferences from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine have provided opportunities for questioning, though some Republicans express frustration with the lack of high-level responses. Democrats plan to use various tactics to slow Senate business unless public hearings are scheduled.

The DHS shutdown has led to growing strain at the nation's airports, where long lines at screening stations are reported due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation is likely to worsen next week if TSA misses another paycheck.