On February 12, 2026, the US House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and limiting mail-in voting, by a vote of 218-213.

On March 8, former President Donald Trump demanded Congress pass the SAVE AMERICA Act, stating he would not sign other legislation until it was enacted. On March 10, Senate Majority Leader John Thune rejected Trump's proposal to force Democrats to use a talking filibuster, stating there were not enough votes to change filibuster rules. The Hill reported this. On March 11, Trump and his allies intensified their push, with the bill requiring in-person proof of citizenship and photo ID for federal elections. CBS News reported that Democrats warned the measure could disenfranchise millions. Trump demanded a Senate vote and threatened to block other legislation; Thune said the bill lacked the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. The Guardian reported this.

On March 15, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) announced the SAVE Act was making progress through a "hybrid" approach to bring the bill to the floor. The Senate began debating the legislation on March 17, with Democrats arguing it would disenfranchise eligible voters lacking proper documentation. By March 19, Republican-led states were advancing similar measures. The Senate held weekend sessions on March 21. Trump also pushed for additional provisions including banning men from women's sports. On April 28, Trump again pushed for the SAVE Act, alleging US elections are "rigged," and reiterated his pledge not to sign funding packages without the bill.

The bill stalled under Senate filibuster rules with Republicans holding a narrow majority. By May 4, some Republicans considered ousting Majority Leader John Thune over his reluctance to challenge the filibuster. On June 4, the SAVE Act failed in the Senate, with Thune acknowledging the votes were not there. On June 11, the bill gained 51 votes when Senator Susan Collins switched to support an amendment by Senator Mike Lee, though still needing 60 to overcome a filibuster. Trump called for the Senate parliamentarian's removal after she ruled the bill ineligible for reconciliation.

On June 24, Trump planned to attend a Senate Republican lunch to push the bill. GOP leaders acknowledged it lacked 60 votes and eliminating the filibuster was not viable. On June 25, Trump canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill to demand passage of the SAVE Act. On June 29, Speaker Mike Johnson stated reconciliation is the only viable path, with House GOP leaders considering a modified $4 billion grant program to incentivize states. On June 30, Trump again called for passage after the Supreme Court ruled processing mail-in ballots received after Election Day is legal.

On July 14, House GOP leaders resolved a floor impasse after holdouts relented, allowing a procedural vote to proceed. Speaker Johnson planned to attach the SAVE Act to an appropriations bill. On July 15, House Republicans passed the Save America Act attached to a State Department spending bill by a 217-209 vote, according to The Guardian. The bill would ban mail-in ballots and require voter ID. Senate Democrats said it was dead on arrival. On July 17, Trump repeated calls for the bill. The Guardian reported that Democrats denounced it as voter suppression, while Republicans urged support.

On July 22, the House passed a budget framework by a 216-214 vote, unlocking reconciliation 3.0. The package includes the SAVE Act requiring in-person documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, with a $10 billion fund for states adopting the rule, according to International Business Times UK. The bill faces Senate opposition from several Republicans, and Trump demands passage before November midterms.

On July 23, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Senate must pass the SAVE Act. Thune responded that the White House should get the votes, stating the bill lacked enough Republican support and faced a Democratic filibuster, with no progress expected before the August recess. The Independent reported this. On July 27, Trump pressured Thune to pass the SAVE Act or end the filibuster, warning of "losing & death," and told Thune not to allow the Senate to break for August recess until the bill passes. Trump also criticized Thune on Truth Social, but Thune said their relationship is "fine" and blamed Democrats for blocking the bill, which requires 60 votes to break a filibuster. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's patience was running out, according to Time and Forbes. Thune and other senior Republicans pushed back, arguing that canceling the August recess was pointless since Democrats would not support the bill and Republicans would not end the filibuster, The Independent reported. Thune's comment on the relationship was reported by Forbes.