The U.S. Senate should "fold up their beach towels" and return to Washington to discuss passage of the SAVE America Act, Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., told Newsmax on Friday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America Early," Rose blasted the Senate for taking a 19-day recess while the election security legislation remains stalled, saying Republicans should use every available tool to move the bill forward.
"I don't think there is any piece of legislation before the Congress that's more important than SAVE America," Rose said. "The president has agreed, and I think he's right to press for this."
Rose argued senators cannot claim they lack time to debate the measure while remaining away from Washington.
"They've got lots of time," Rose said. "If they would fold up their beach towels and come home."
The Tennessee Republican said polling shows overwhelming public support for requiring proof of U.S. citizenship before voting in federal elections, including backing from many Democrats.
"It absolutely should be a bipartisan issue," Rose said. "It's really breathtaking to me that Democrats, not a single one, is supporting the SAVE America Act. I think it really illustrates how out of step they are with Americans, even those of their own political party."
Rose called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to reconvene the Senate immediately, arguing the legislation enjoys broad public backing.
"This is a consensus issue. It's a common-sense issue," Rose said. "It's past time to get it done."
Rose even suggested the possibility of a new majority leader, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., as a way to increase pressure on Thune.
House Republicans passed the SAVE America Act earlier this year, but the legislation has stalled in the Senate amid Democrat opposition and procedural hurdles.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Senate Republicans to make the bill a priority, while Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicated portions of the legislation could be included in a third budget reconciliation package.
Rose welcomed Johnson's strategy but insisted Senate Republicans should still bring the standalone bill to the floor.
"I do think we should use every tool available," he said. "But I think the president's right to press Leader Thune and the Senate to get the job done."
Rose said forcing a Senate debate would require Democrat leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to publicly defend their opposition.
"I would encourage Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer to read the SAVE America Act," Rose said. "It's pretty straightforward. It's really pretty simple. It's common sense."
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