The U.S. Senate on Saturday rejected an amendment that would have prohibited transgender women from competing in women's sports at federally funded schools. The measure failed in a 49-41 party-line vote during a rare weekend session debating the SAVE America Act.

Sponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, the amendment was the Protection for Women and Girls in Sports Act. It would have penalized educational institutions receiving federal funding if they allowed individuals assigned male at birth to participate in athletic programs designated for women or girls.

The amendment was attached to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE America Act, a Republican-led bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo identification at polling places. The House passed the measure earlier this year, but it faces Democratic opposition in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats and need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.

President Donald Trump has made the SAVE Act his top legislative priority, demanding additions like the sports ban, a prohibition on no-excuse mail-in voting and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Trump has urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to end the filibuster, though Thune has resisted, citing insufficient Republican support.

Tuberville called the vote the fourth time Democrats had defeated such a proposal. "This is the fourth time that I’ve had this bill on the floor," he said. "I’ll continue to try until I’m gone." He argued that biological males hold physical advantages, questioning the fairness of allowing them to compete against women and potentially claim trophies or scholarships earned through years of effort.

Blackburn criticized the practice as undermining Title IX, the 1972 law barring sex discrimination in federally funded education. She referenced high-profile cases like swimmer Lia Thomas, who won a national title after competing on the men's team, and praised Trump's efforts to reverse Biden-era policies. "Thank goodness President Donald Trump has tried to chase away some of the adverse actions against Title IX," she said.

No Senate Democrats spoke against the amendment immediately before the vote. Republicans plan to highlight the issue ahead of midterm elections, viewing it as a wedge topic amid public support for sex-based sports categories.

The marathon debate on the SAVE Act continues, with Thune indicating no final decisions on wrapping up the session. Democrats have offered unlimited amendments, forcing Republicans to vote on them repeatedly in a strategy to prolong proceedings and expose GOP priorities.