Senate Majority Leader John Thune sent the chamber into a five-week recess Monday without passing the Save America Act.

The move leaves the legislation stalled as lawmakers depart Washington for the extended break. The Senate had been considering the measure in recent days, but no final vote happened before the recess began.

Thune, who assumed the majority leader role earlier this year, cited the need for senators to return to their states and districts. The recess period extends through mid-September, when lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene.

The Save America Act had been a priority for Republican leadership in the current session. Its failure to advance before the break drew immediate criticism from supporters who argued it addressed key national security and economic concerns.

Democrats in the minority have opposed the bill in its current form. Negotiations between the parties produced no agreement in time for a vote.

The extended recess means any further action on the legislation will have to wait until after Labor Day.