Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York said that Senate Republicans would experience a “very short-term concession” if they give up the SAVE Act filibuster.
The Senate began a dayslong debate over the SAVE America Act on Tuesday, bringing the voter identification bill to the floor. This legislation is being debated during the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which York said is a “complete outrage” amid current security concerns.
Commentator Hugh Hewitt pitched the idea of Democrats offering to reopen DHS if Republicans “stop the talking filibuster” on the SAVE America Act, and asked York if he would personally accept this deal. York said this is “an interesting idea.”
FROM THE MAGAZINE: HOW ISRAELIS ARE EXPERIENCING THE LATEST WAR WITH IRAN
“It’s a very short-term concession that they’re probably going to have to make anyway, and you give up the chance for actual voter ID, which would be a major reform across the country. I don’t know,” York said on the Hugh Hewitt Show Tuesday.
York also said that Republicans need to engage in their fight for the SAVE America Act “for a long time,” “as if they believe it.” However, he said it is very unlikely the Senate will resort to “the nuclear option” to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster.
SAVE AMERICA ACT SHOWDOWN RELISHED BY GOP AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE
If Republicans can successfully pass the SAVE America Act, York said the lawmakers who worked to get it passed will be owed “thanks,” citing how the majority of voters across demographics support voter identification.
President Donald Trump initially gave an ultimatum that he would not sign any bills until the SAVE America Act reached his desk. However, he has since said he would make an exception for DHS funding.