Senate Majority Leader John Thune has scheduled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act for a procedural vote this week, setting up a marathon debate that could stretch across multiple days. The bill would require every American to show documentary proof of citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—before registering to vote in federal elections.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the bill "one of the most despicable pieces of legislation I've come across in the many years I've been a legislator," arguing it would disenroll millions of legally eligible voters who lack ready access to citizenship documents.
Hard-line Republicans, led by allies of the president, are preparing to seize control of the Senate floor for as long as necessary to muscle the bill through. The strategy pressures Thune to keep debate open indefinitely, a tactic that could keep senators in Washington through the weekend and crowd out other pending business. The maneuver marks the first major test of Thune's ability to balance Trump's demands with the chamber's packed schedule.
While senators squared off, Hollywood spread the gold around. Paul Thomas Anderson's political chase film "One Battle After Another" won six Oscars including best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay, yet it failed to sweep. The vampire thriller "Sinners" took four trophies, among them best actor for Michael B. Jordan's double role as twin brothers and best cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw—the first woman of color ever to win that prize. Amy Madigan earned best supporting actress for her chilling turn as Aunt Gladys in the horror tale "Weapons," a performance NPR critic Linda Holmes praised as "weird and funny and scary."
The Academy awarded its first Oscar for achievement in casting to Cassandra Kulukundis for assembling the ensemble of "One Battle After Another." Kulukundis, who has cast every Anderson feature since "There Will Be Blood," beat nominees including Francine Maisler, whose credits stretch from "Arrival" to "Challengers." The new category arrives decades after the Emmys began honoring casting directors, and winners must now navigate how to publicize a craft long hidden from view.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who announced he will not seek re-election after Trump threatened a primary, strongly criticized former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Judiciary Committee hearing before her firing. "What we've seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms Noem, disaster," Tillis declared, citing wrongful arrests of U.S. citizens and bungled Hurricane Helene relief. He has since blocked Kevin Warsh's Federal Reserve nomination and called for Stephen Miller's dismissal over the Greenland annexation push, telling CNN he is "sick of stupid."
Separately, the Kennedy Center's board of trustees meets Monday to vote on shuttering the performing-arts complex for extensive renovations. The closure plan appeared on an agenda circulated Sunday, less than 24 hours before the session, leaving artists and staff scrambling for clarity on how long the nation's cultural showcase will go dark.
Senators could begin voting as early as Tuesday night, with the outcome hinging on whether Thune can keep his caucus unified and whether Democrats mount a talking filibuster to run out the clock.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has scheduled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act for a procedural vote this week, setting up a marathon debate that could stretch across multiple days. The bill would require every American to show documentary proof of citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—before registering to vote in federal elections. President Trump declared on March 8 that he will not sign any other legislation until the measure reaches his desk.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the bill "one of the most despicable pieces of legislation I’ve come across in the many years I’ve been a legislator," arguing it would disenroll millions of legally eligible voters who lack ready access to citizenship documents. The requirement hits married women particularly hard; the Snopes analysis notes that roughly 90 percent of women who change surnames at marriage do not possess passports listing their current legal names, forcing them to obtain amended birth certificates or naturalization papers before they can register.
Hard-line Republicans, led by allies of the president, are preparing to seize control of the Senate floor for as long as necessary to muscle the bill through. The strategy pressures Thune to keep debate open indefinitely, a tactic that could keep senators in Washington through the weekend and crowd out other pending business. The maneuver marks the first major test of Thune’s ability to balance Trump’s demands with the chamber’s packed schedule.
While senators squared off, Hollywood spread the gold around. Paul Thomas Anderson’s political chase film “One Battle After Another” won six Oscars including best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay, yet it failed to sweep. The vampire thriller “Sinners” took four trophies, among them best actor for Michael B. Jordan’s double role as twin brothers and best cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw—the first woman of color ever to win that prize. Amy Madigan earned best supporting actress for her chilling turn as Aunt Gladys in the horror tale “Weapons,” a performance NPR critic Linda Holmes praised as “weird and funny and scary.”
The Academy awarded its first Oscar for achievement in casting to Cassandra Kulukundis for assembling the ensemble of “One Battle After Another.” Kulukundis, who has cast every Anderson feature since “There Will Be Blood,” beat nominees including Francine Maisler, whose credits stretch from “Arrival” to “Challengers.” The new category arrives decades after the Emmys began honoring casting directors, and winners must now navigate how to publicize a craft long hidden from view.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who announced he will not seek re-election after Trump threatened a primary, used a Judiciary Committee hearing to eviscerate former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem minutes before her firing. “What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms Noem, disaster,” Tillis declared, citing wrongful arrests of U.S. citizens and bungled Hurricane Helene relief. He has since blocked Kevin Warsh’s Federal Reserve nomination and called for Stephen Miller’s dismissal over the Greenland annexation push, telling CNN he is “sick of stupid.”
Separately, the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees meets Monday to vote on shuttering the performing-arts complex for extensive renovations. The closure plan appeared on an agenda circulated Sunday, less than 24 hours before the session, leaving artists and staff scrambling for clarity on how long the nation’s cultural showcase will go dark.
If the SAVE Act clears the Senate, it heads to the House where Republicans hold a narrow majority and have already passed similar citizenship-proof language. Failure would mark the first major legislative defeat for Trump since he vowed to halt all other bill signings until voting rules tighten. Senators could begin voting as early as Tuesday night, with the outcome hinging on whether Thune can keep his caucus unified and whether Democrats mount a talking filibuster to run out the clock.
Highlighted text was flagged by the council. Tap to see feedback.
