Johnson confronts GOP rebellion over SAVE America Act as House returns to Washington

Published July 13, 2026 6:00am ET | Updated July 13, 2026 8:32am ET



House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing a major test on Monday as the House returns to Washington amid threats from GOP hard-liners to paralyze the chamber until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act and codifies President Donald Trump’s border policies.

Republican leadership was forced to scrap votes and send lawmakers home for a week at the end of June because of the conservative blockade. Overall, 13 GOP rebels blocked legislation from coming to the floor unless Johnson caved to their demands, which include attaching the SAVE America Act to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act and codifying Trump’s deportation agenda.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.