Several House Republicans urged Speaker Mike Johnson to launch a public fight with Senate GOP leaders over the SAVE America Act during a private lawmaker conference call on Sunday.

The push came amid frustration that the Senate has not scheduled a vote on the bill, which passed the House on February 11, 2026, by a 218-213 margin with support from all Republicans and one Democrat. The legislation requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration, mandates photo ID for voting, eliminates mail-only registration options, and directs states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls.

Lawmakers expressed concerns that the Senate's inaction could alienate the GOP base ahead of the 2026 midterms. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., told Johnson, "If we don't get this done, or at least show that we've got some backbone, we're done. The midterms are over." Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, added that Republican voters were "not enthused" and described forcing a Senate vote on the SAVE America Act as "the single biggest thing" to energize them. At least three other Republicans echoed these sentiments during the call, which also addressed responses to recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

Johnson acknowledged privately pressuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., but cautioned against an open intraparty conflict. "If we're going to go to war against our own party in the Senate, there may be implications to that," he said. "So we want to be thoughtful and careful." Thune has stated the bill lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster, ruling out procedural changes like a talking filibuster.

The measure builds on the earlier SAVE Act, H.R. 22, which passed the House in April 2025 and awaits Senate action. President Donald Trump has prioritized the bill, vowing to block other legislation until its passage. Polls show broad public support for voter ID requirements, with Johnson noting backing from over 80% of Americans.

Pressure continues from House Freedom Caucus members, who criticized the House for advancing a Senate-passed tribal housing bill this week despite the SAVE Act stalemate. Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, Mark Harris, R-N.C., Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., called for halting Senate priorities until the election bill advances. Democrats have labeled the legislation voter suppression, while Republicans frame it as essential for election integrity.