Thune says Trump continues to press him on SAVE Act, blames Democrats for opposing voter ID measure

Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaking to reporters about the SAVE Act.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said President Trump continues to press him about getting the SAVE Act passed by the Senate ahead of the midterm elections, but Thune seemed skeptical that it will even be brought for a vote before the end of the week when the senate goes on recess.

"I heard from him this morning a couple times on issues that he cares about," Thune told reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday. "We've voted on SAVE America 5 times," Thune continued. "I am willing to in any way possible get that across the finish line if there is a path to do it." The last vote in early June, which was brought by late Senator Lindsey Graham, failed with just 48 Republicans voting in favor of passing it, far short of the 60 votes needed for passage.

Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and outgoing Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky all voted against it along with every Democrat.

Thune on Tuesday deflected criticism that he's been ineffective at driving support for the measure, which would require voter ID in elections, and turned the blame on Democrats. "All 47 Democrats have voted against the SAVE Act five times," Thune said. "So let's make this an issue in the campaign. How about we go out and turn our fire on Democrats and make it about them opposing the SAVE Act?" Thune also said scrapping the legislative filibuster was off the table. "The votes aren't there to do that."

Thune said it was possible the Senate could pass "pieces of the SAVE America Act" through budget reconciliation, a process that would require only 50 votes with JD Vance as the tiebreaker. Meanwhile, the senate is scheduled to leave for its August recess on August 7 and won't return to Washington until September 14. Some senators are pushing to postpone or cancel the recess until another vote on the measure is held.

The SAVE Act has already been passed by the House of Representatives. Below, watch a clip of Thunes remarks to reporters.