Burchett Condemns Senate After SAVE Act Collapse

Burchett Blasts Senate Leadership

Rep. Tim Burchett did not hold back. He told Fox News the Senate leadership cut a deal in the middle of the night, then skedaddled while the country waited. He called out Leader John Thune for striking a quiet agreement with Chuck Schumer and for leaving rank and file senators and the public in the dark. That sort of midnight lawmaking is exactly the stereotype of Congress people complain about. Burchett says voters gave Republicans a mandate and Senate leaders ignored it, leaving people who want action feeling betrayed. If you like daylight and accountability, that kind of secret dealmaking is upsetting and wrong.

SAVE America Act Left on the Table

The SAVE America Act, which would require voter ID and documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, enjoys broad support among Republicans and even with many independents. Burchett pointed out that roughly 83 percent support the idea of strengthening voter rules for federal elections and said the Senate leadership ignored that will. He said their refusal to bring the bill up smacks of political cowardice. If you promised voters election integrity, you should either deliver or explain why you refused. Voters sent a message and they deserve an answer, plain and simple.

Filibuster Rules and the 60 Vote Problem

The Senate is stuck on a procedural feature that lets a minority block most legislation by forcing a 60 vote threshold. Burchett was blunt that the filibuster is the choke point. He argued the Senate could fix both the shutdown and the SAVE bill by changing the rules so a majority can act. Critics will scream about tradition, but when your majority cannot govern because of procedural roadblocks you have to ask whose side the Senate leadership is on. Burchett believes the answer is clear and it is not in tune with voters who want action on immigration and election integrity.

Government Shutdown, Pay, and the Do Your Job Act

Burchett also slammed senators who go on vacation while parts of the government are closed. He has repeatedly introduced the Do Your Job Act which would freeze Congressional pay when federal workers are not getting paid during shutdowns. He called members who complain about their pay but do little work spoiled. Burchett said TSA agents and other federal workers were forced to work for free while Congress continued to get paid. He thinks lawmakers should feel the same pain they create and that freezing pay during shutdowns is a fair way to force responsibility.

Calls for New GOP Leadership

After criticizing the late night deal and the refusal to advance the SAVE America Act, Burchett wants new leadership in the Senate. He said senators should have the courage to stand up for the party platform and for President Donald Trump and House leaders who are pushing for reforms. Burchett argued that if leaders will not fight for what voters want, then they should step aside for people who will. That is a blunt, take-no-prisoners message to a Senate he says is out of step with the Republican grassroots and with everyday Americans who want secure borders and fair elections.

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