Forty House Republicans stage revolt against Senate over SAVE America Act

Published March 17, 2026 4:22pm ET



Forty House Republicans defied Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Tuesday in a failed attempt to stall Senate-backed legislation until Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) advances the SAVE America Act.

The GOP rebels opposed a measure sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on two small business innovation programs that passed the Senate on March 3. But the legislation still passed 345 to 41, with all but one Democrat voting yes, because House GOP leadership put it on the floor under suspension of rules. The parliamentary procedure requires that legislation pass by a two-thirds majority.

The move from GOP leadership comes as several Republicans, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), have pledged to vote against all legislation sent to the House by the Senate until the chamber passes the SAVE America Act, which would require an ID to cast a ballot and proof of citizenship to register to vote. 

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