Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has expressed strong reservations about former President Trump’s recent call to force a government shutdown if the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act isn’t included in a short-term spending bill. McConnell, speaking at the Capitol, reiterated his longstanding stance that a government shutdown is detrimental and should be avoided under any circumstances.
When asked about the potential inclusion of the SAVE Act—a proposal mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections—McConnell remained cautious. He stated that the Senate’s approach will depend on the specifics of what the House of Representatives sends over. “We need to first review what the House presents,” McConnell said. “Ultimately, the handling of this matter will be up to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.”
McConnell’s comments reflect a more measured approach compared to Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) plan, which proposes a continuing resolution (CR) extending government funding until March and incorporating the SAVE Act. Despite facing significant opposition within his own party, Johnson is pushing forward with this strategy, knowing he can only afford to lose four Republican votes if the entire Senate is present and all Democrats oppose the measure.
Former President Trump, on the other hand, has been vocal in his support for a more aggressive stance. In a social media post, Trump urged Republicans to insist on the SAVE Act and other election security measures, warning that failing to secure these provisions could justify a government shutdown. “If Republicans in the House and Senate don’t secure absolute guarantees on Election Security, THEY SHOULD, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, SUPPORT A CONTINUED RESOLUTION ON THE U.S. BUDGET,” Trump declared. “The Dems are attempting to overwhelm voter registrations with illegals. Do not let this happen—shut it down!”
While some Senate Republicans back the idea of attaching the SAVE Act to a CR, there is still debate over the bill’s duration. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), a leading GOP appropriator, has expressed a preference for a shorter CR lasting until December. She argues that this would avoid burdening the incoming president, regardless of party affiliation, with a major spending bill in their initial days in office.