Thune says Senate will move FISA bill without SAVE America Act, rebuffing Trump
Thune Defies Trump on FISA Bill Without SAVE Act
Thune says Senate will move FISA - Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has stated that the Senate will move forward with an extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without attaching the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act. This decision comes amid ongoing political tensions, as Thune's approach contrasts with President Trump's demand to link the two bills. The focus keyword "Thune says Senate will move" appears in the opening paragraph, setting the tone for the legislative shift. The move underscores Thune's determination to prioritize national security measures, even as he faces pressure from the White House to include voter eligibility reforms.
Thune’s Strategy to Secure FISA Renewal
Thune has been a key advocate for the FISA extension, emphasizing its role in maintaining critical surveillance capabilities for national security. The SAVE America Act, which Trump insists should be tied to the intelligence bill, has been a point of contention among Democrats. However, Thune says Senate will move the FISA renewal as a standalone measure, aiming to secure bipartisan backing. By separating the two proposals, he seeks to streamline the process and address concerns about Section 702 of FISA, which allows the government to conduct surveillance on foreign nationals without a warrant. This strategy highlights his efforts to focus on the most urgent issues while navigating political divisions.
Thune’s decision reflects a broader trend of Senate Republicans prioritizing legislative efficiency. The SAVE America Act, which would require documented proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandate photo ID for ballot access, remains a central part of Trump’s agenda. Despite this, Thune says Senate will move the FISA bill independently, signaling a possible compromise with the White House. His remarks were made during a press briefing, where he reiterated the importance of the surveillance law in safeguarding American interests. This approach could help the Senate avoid further gridlock and ensure the passage of the FISA extension.
The SAVE America Act and Democratic Opposition
The SAVE America Act has sparked significant debate, with Democrats arguing it could restrict voting access for minority communities. Thune says Senate will move the FISA bill without the SAVE Act, but the potential impact of the voter eligibility measure remains a key issue. Critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), have warned that the act could disproportionately affect voters of color, particularly in states with high voter turnout. However, some Republican lawmakers support the act as a necessary step to prevent fraud, especially with the rise of mail-in voting and absentee ballot use.
Thune says Senate will move the FISA extension if the SAVE America Act is not included, but he acknowledges the importance of the reform. “The FISA bill is a critical tool for intelligence gathering, and we need to ensure it’s renewed,” Thune stated. His comments come after the Senate blocked an earlier intelligence bill due to Democratic objections over Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. This veto threat forced Republicans to reconsider their approach, but Thune says Senate will move the FISA bill as a separate measure to secure the president’s approval.
Trump’s Influence and Legislative Priorities
President Trump has consistently pushed for the SAVE America Act to be tied to the FISA renewal, arguing that the two measures are interconnected. In a recent post on Truth Social, he criticized the Senate for moving forward without the voter eligibility reform, calling it a “bad deal.” Thune says Senate will move the FISA bill as a standalone measure, hoping to demonstrate its independence from political pressures. While Trump’s influence remains strong, Senate Republicans are confident that the president will ultimately support the intelligence bill if it aligns with his broader goals.
Thune says Senate will move the FISA extension if it can secure the necessary votes, even as Trump’s stance complicates the process. The senator’s focus on the surveillance law highlights a strategic effort to balance security needs with political realities. By isolating the FISA renewal from the SAVE America Act, Thune aims to foster agreement on both sides of the aisle, ensuring the bill’s passage without further delays. This move also allows the Senate to address the most pressing issues first, potentially setting the stage for future legislative compromises.