Reporter's Notebook: GOP pushes election security bill despite slim odds, as Trump pressure looms
"We have a unique moment in time here, right now, to address an issue that’s really fundamental," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Tuesday.In just an hour, the Senate...
By Fox News · Fox News
"We have a unique moment in time here, right now, to address an issue that’s really fundamental," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Tuesday. In just an hour, the Senate would launch debate on the SAVE America Act. Longtime Congressional agriculture reporter Matt Kaye had just asked Thune why the Senate was willing to burn so much time on the bill – despite it apparently lacking the votes to pass. "Floor time is the coin of the realm," observed Kaye. "How does it help you if you are using up valuable floor time by having an extended debate on this issue?" Kaye then inquired why the Senate wouldn’t toil instead on a possible farm bill or even a supplemental spending plan for the war in Iran. Kaye is on to something. Senate floor time is always at a premium. There are only so many floor hours available each week. But floor time isn’t the issue here. There’s only one thing which is more valuable in politics. And in this particular case for the GOP, it’s staying on the right side of President Trump. TRUMP-BACKED SENATE HOPEFUL GAINS MOMENTUM WITH TOP GOP ENDORSEMENTS BEFORE MULLIN DHS SHIFT On Tuesday, the President proclaimed on Truth Social that the SAVE America Act is one of the "most important and consequential bills" in Congressional history. He added that he wouldn’t endorse any Republican who opposed the legislation. Republicans say ID is essential to prove you’re a valid voter. However, the SAVE America Act goes further than that. It requires proof of citizenship – like a passport or birth certificate. That worries Michael Suggs who lives in the Bronx, New York. He spoke to Fox’s Chelsea Torres. "Your birth certificate? Social Security number when you show up at the polling place?" asked Suggs. "That might be a little unfair to certain people in this country, including myself. I don't want to walk around with my birth certificate and my Social Security card. I'm a registered voter. I've been voting since I was 18 years old, and now I'm approaching…