Regarding the legislative path forward, Trump urged Senate leadership via social media to remain in Washington rather than taking the scheduled summer break.
"John Thune should not allow the United States Senate to 'leave town' until it passes The Save America Act or, far better still, TERMINATES THE FILIBUSTER, where Republicans can then quickly pass everything they ever dreamed of, including a full and deep throated SAVE AMERICA ACT, the Budget, and the ever looming Debt Ceiling disaster, 1929!"
said Trump.
"The Dumocrats will do it on day one, and can't believe how lucky they got with this Senate leadership."
Thune's Response
Thune pushed back against the White House's arithmetic and reminded reporters that Senate leadership is chosen internally by Republican colleagues rather than by executive decree.
"I don't know what you say on that," said Thune. "That's a decision made by my colleagues."
Addressing the administration's claims regarding support for the voter ID bill, Thune countered the White House's headcount assessments.
"That must be a different form of math," said Thune.
Thune emphasized that remaining in session through August would not alter the fundamental vote count needed to overcome democratic opposition or alter Senate rules.
"If the endgame is, we actually get an outcome or result, we could stay here until Christmas," said Thune.
"But Democrats aren't voting for this, I'm just telling you. And the Republicans are not getting rid of the legislative filibuster."
Thune also questioned the viability of forcing votes without a clear path to legislative success.
