Senate Republicans Must ‘Buckle Down’ to Pass Trump’s Agenda Before August Recess

U.S. Senate Republicans need to “buckle down” and “get their work done” in the final week before their summer recess, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) said Friday.
Speaking on a recent news program, Sessions emphasized that the House has already passed key legislation, and now it is up to Senate Republicans to move President Donald Trump’s agenda forward before lawmakers leave Washington for August.

Among his top priorities, Sessions highlighted the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections, continued government funding through a short-term spending measure, and additional defense funding to replenish military stockpiles.

“We’ve got to get this bill through that requires that states only allow people who are American citizens verified to vote,” Sessions said, referring to the House-backed election integrity measure championed by Republicans.

He also stressed the importance of providing roughly $80 billion to strengthen America’s armed forces.

The comments come as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) faces pressure from Trump and conservative lawmakers to advance stalled Republican priorities before the chamber’s scheduled recess.

Trump has urged Senate Republicans to remain in session until key legislation, including election security measures, is addressed.

Sessions acknowledged Senate leaders have struggled to secure enough votes for the election bill but suggested lawmakers should continue working toward a version capable of passing the upper chamber.

“Perhaps there’s new and better language, a smaller amount of language that could pass the Senate,” he said. “But we have to fund the government. We have to make sure that we fund the military.”

Sessions also criticized Democrats over immigration after referencing comments from Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) regarding illegal immigration and the Laken Riley Act.

Calling Warner’s remarks “dangerous rhetoric,” Sessions accused Democrats of supporting the Biden administration’s border policies, which he said allowed millions of migrants to enter the country illegally without proper vetting.

“When you create a criminal act against an American citizen … we’re going to come find you,” Sessions added, defending immigration enforcement and arguing the issue will remain central in next year’s elections.

Republicans have made border security, election integrity, military readiness, and government funding central pillars of Trump’s legislative agenda as Congress races to complete its work before the August recess.