Senate Democrats rejected a Republican amendment linking a transgender sports ban to the SAVE America Act, a voter ID and citizenship verification bill backed by former President Donald Trump. The amendment, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), sought to codify Trump’s 2025 executive order barring transgender women from participating in women’s sports.
The amendment failed along party lines during floor debate, marking the first of several GOP attempts to attach Trump-requested provisions to the legislation. Other proposed changes include bans on gender reassignment surgeries for minors and restrictions on unsolicited mail-in ballots.
The SAVE America Act aims to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voting but faces unified opposition from Senate Democrats led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). While Republicans control the Senate, they lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and must seek bipartisan support or alter Senate rules.
Sen. Tuberville described the bill as critical for distinguishing Americans from non-citizens and vowed to pursue passage despite uncertain Republican backing. The ongoing debate employs a “talking filibuster” strategy to lower the passage threshold but has yet to secure enough votes.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), lead Senate sponsor of the SAVE America Act, expressed hope that extended debate might erode Democratic resistance and gain support for the bill. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to block the legislation, framing it as a partisan priority unlikely to advance before the 2028 elections.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
