Trump presses Thune to delay August recess over stalled SAVE Act
Plus: McConnell remains out of public view, Schiff unveils trip of online safety bills and Craig wins Walz backing.
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👋🏾 HI, HEY, HELLO! Welcome back to Congress Nerd Daily. I hope today was everything for you. President Donald Trump traveled this afternoon to Michigan’s 7th Congressional District—a top House Democratic pickup target—to tout tariffs alongside General Motors executives, argue they have fueled the automaker’s strongest year ever and campaign with GOP gubernatorial candidate John James, House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain and the district’s incumbent member, Tom Barrett. During remarks at the GM proving grounds, Trump also renewed his push for the SAVE America Act (much more on that below), attacked mail voting and said the U.S. was engaged in “very friendly negotiations” with Iran over a potential deal.
THE LINEUP
Trump presses Thune to delay August recess over doomed SAVE Act
McConnell remains out of public view
Schiff unveils trip of online safety bills
Craig wins Walz backing
THE LEAD
With fewer than 100 days until an election that will determine the balance of power in Washington and shape the final two years of his presidency, President Trump has yet to pivot to the kitchen-table issues that polls consistently show voters care about most.
Instead, he has remained focused on legacy projects such as the White House East Wing ballroom and proposed Triumphal Arch, the war in Iran and the SAVE America Act—the conservative election bill that would impose new federal restrictions on nearly every stage of the voting process.
Before leaving for August recess last week, House Republicans adopted a budget blueprint that would unlock $10 billion through the reconciliation process to encourage states to adopt parts of the SAVE America Act’s voter ID requirements. But the House-passed framework lacks the support needed to advance in the Senate.
After a conservative influencer urged the Senate to remain in session until it passed the SAVE America Act, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) pledged on X to withhold his consent to adjourn once the chamber finishes its work next Thursday. At least five other Senate conservatives have since joined him.
Trump escalated the pressure this morning, urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) in a Truth Social post not only to pass the SAVE America Act but also to eliminate the legislative filibuster to do it.
“The Dumocrats will do it on day one, and can’t believe how lucky they got with this Senate leadership,” Trump wrote. “Remember, stupidity always brings LOSING & DEATH!”…
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THE POWERS THAT BE
McConnell remains out of public view: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement this afternoon he is working to return to a full Senate schedule but will miss this weekend’s Fancy Farm picnic as he continues physical therapy following his June fall.…
THE POLICY DESK
Schiff unveils trio of online safety bills: Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced three bills to update federal guardrails for the digital age…
THE TRAIL
Craig wins Walz backing: Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz endorsed Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic Senate primary, calling her the strongest candidate to keep the seat in blue and citing her record of winning competitive races statewide.…