Trump Rejects Any Shutdown Deal Without SAVE America Act
The shutdown, now in its sixth week since February 14, stems from repeated Democratic blocks of homeland security funding bills — the fifth rejection occurring on March 20.
Tommy Flynn
President Donald Trump reiterated on March 22, 2026, that he will not support any agreement to end the ongoing partial government shutdown unless Democrats agree to pass the SAVE America Act.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated he would not make any deal with Democrats “unless, and until, they Vote with Republicans to pass ‘THE SAVE AMERICA ACT.’” He described the election integrity legislation as “far more important than anything else we are doing in the Senate.”
The shutdown, now in its sixth week since February 14, stems from repeated Democratic blocks of homeland security funding bills — the fifth rejection occurring on March 20. The impasse has left roughly 50,000 TSA officers working without full pay, triggering record callout rates above 10% nationally and security lines stretching two to three hours at major airports.
The SAVE America Act, which passed the House earlier this year, requires proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration and photo identification at the polls starting in 2027. It also includes tighter rules on mail-in ballots, all-paper ballots in some cases, and other election security measures.
Trump has tied any funding resolution to the bill’s passage, opposing proposals that include cuts to ICE funding unless they incorporate the full SAVE Act provisions. He urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to identify any Republicans opposing the measure, warning they “will never be elected again.”
Thune has kept the SAVE America Act on the Senate floor for extended debate, including rare weekend sessions, but has stated that votes are not currently available for procedural changes such as a talking filibuster to bypass the 60-vote threshold. He has indicated the chamber will remain in session as needed, potentially through Easter, to resolve both the funding standoff and the election bill.
Republicans argue the repeated Democratic blocks are obstructing essential security operations and public safety during peak travel season. Democrats have countered that the bill is unnecessary and could suppress voter turnout.
No immediate path to a compromise has emerged, though pressure is mounting on both sides to reach an agreement before the Easter recess. The standoff continues to disrupt air travel and federal operations nationwide.