Senate blocks GOP election overhaul tied to budget bill

A Republican-led effort to attach a major election overhaul to a government funding bill was blocked in the Senate on Thursday after four GOP senators joined Democrats in opposition. The vote marked the second time this year the legislative maneuver has failed, dealing a setback to one of President Donald Trump’s top priorities.

The amendment, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, sought to add provisions from the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to a nearly $70 billion budget reconciliation package focused on funding immigration enforcement agencies. The proposal would have required proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections, mandated photo identification at polling places, and expanded federal oversight of voter rolls.

The measure required 60 votes to advance but failed on a 48-50 tally. All Democratic senators voted against it. They were joined by Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis. This same group of Republicans had previously blocked a similar attempt to advance the legislation in April.

Supporters argued the changes are necessary to ensure...