Utah Sen. Mike Lee urged Senate Republicans to work through weekends and recesses to pass the SAVE America Act. During a televised interview, he outlined several paths for advancing the voter identification bill despite lacking 60 votes. His remarks drew online backlash over Senate recesses and the stalled legislation.
The interview clip circulated online after Lee argued that senators could work as many legislative days as necessary.
Lee said lawmakers could attach the bill to must-pass legislation, debate it until passage or use budget reconciliation. He said he preferred extended debate on the Senate floor.
Lee said the bill had support from a simple majority but lacked the 60 votes needed for cloture. He argued passage would require time, floor effort and “creative thinking.”
Host Maria Bartiromo asked whether limited legislative days and an approaching recess would block action. Lee replied that senators control the calendar and should work through weekends and scheduled recesses.
Lee said lawmakers must reexamine their schedules to advance the legislation.
Mike Lee SAVE America Act Push Draws Recess Backlash
Responses focused on Lee’s demand for additional Senate workdays and lawmakers’ previous support for recesses.
One user wrote, “Y’all are useless overpaid hacks, who are above the law and get paid without accomplishing anything for the People.” Another stated, “Stop. You voted FOR every recess. Your words are falling on deaf ears.”
A separate response said, “Then get it done. We don’t want to see you on X in the fall saying the same thing.” Another added, “Would be nice if the Senate worked as many hours/days as those of us who pay your wages.”
Others supported Lee’s effort to keep the Senate working. One response stated, “Absolutely right, Senator Lee. No more recess pass the SAVE America Act NOW.” Another wrote, “Please pass the Save Act. Thank you for your efforts Senator Lee!”
The bill remains short of the 60 votes Lee said are needed for cloture.
