Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the chamber aims to pass an extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act without including the SAVE America Act.

Thune is rebuffing President Donald Trump, who said he opposes any renewal of FISA that does not include the SAVE ​America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voting.

Section 702 of FISA, which allows the U.S. to spy on foreigners overseas without a warrant, lapsed over the weekend, which Thune said is a risk to national security.

Congress on Thursday ​rejected a short-term extension of the ⁠surveillance authority amid a standoff over Trump's selection of an inexperienced loyalist, Bill Pulte, to serve as the ​acting director of national intelligence, although some lawmakers also oppose an extension of FISA under any circumstances.

"A few Dumocrats are against FISA, with or without Bill Pulte going to DNI, as Acting. What kind of a deal is that. Besides, I'm against FISA if it doesn't come with The Save America Act (Full version!) firmly attached to it. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

The voter identification bill has no relation to FISA. But ​Trump has said that he would not sign any other legislation until ​the SAVE America Act is passed.

But Thune told reporters it was unrealistic to get the SAVE America Act passed by attaching it to a FISA bill.

He said he hopes confirming Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to be the new director of national intelligence would get Democrats on board with reauthorizing FISA.

Thune said he believes Trump would sign a reauthorization of FISA even without the SAVE America Act.

"I certainly would hope if we can get FISA off the floor, he would sign it," Thune said. "I just think it's that important.

"We're working really hard to deal with the main Democrat objections to this, which again I think are unfounded, but nevertheless, if we can get Jay Clayton confirmed soon, then I hope we get FISA done," Thune added. "I would hope once we do, he'll sign it."

Reuters contributed to this report.