Trump Ties FISA Renewal to SAVE Act as 48-50 Senate Vote Deepens GOP Rift
Updated
Updated · ms.now · Jun 22
Trump Ties FISA Renewal to SAVE Act as 48-50 Senate Vote Deepens GOP Rift
2 articles · Updated · ms.now · Jun 22
Summary
Trump said he would not support renewing U.S. warrantless spying powers unless the SAVE America Act is attached, extending a lapse in surveillance authority and escalating pressure on Senate Republicans.
The demand comes after Republicans already tried to pass the voting bill and failed 48-50, with four GOP senators joining Democrats against a measure requiring proof of citizenship, photo ID and tighter mail voting rules.
Thune had warned Trump the bill lacked support, but Lindsey Graham still drafted the amendment at Trump's request; Trump then blamed Senate constraints on Thune and again urged Republicans to scrap the 60-vote filibuster.
Senate Republicans are increasingly pushing back, with John Kennedy privately criticizing Trump for taking the fight out on Thune and Lisa Murkowski saying Trump neither understands nor cares how the Senate works.
The clash adds to a string of recent disputes in which Trump's moves delayed an immigration bill, disrupted an intelligence nominee hearing and strained his working relationship with Thune despite White House claims of continued cooperation.