From the Washington Examiner: Forty House Republicans defied Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Tuesday in a failed attempt to stall Senate-backed legislation until Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) advances the SAVE America Act.
The GOP rebels opposed a measure sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on two small business innovation programs that passed the Senate on March 3. But the legislation still passed 345 to 41, with all but one Democrat voting yes, because House GOP leadership put it on the floor under suspension of rules. The parliamentary procedure requires that legislation pass by a two-thirds majority.
The move from GOP leadership comes as several Republicans, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), have pledged to vote against all legislation sent to the House by the Senate until the chamber passes the SAVE America Act, which would require an ID to cast a ballot and proof of citizenship to register to vote.
While the GOP hard-liners failed to sink the Senate measure on Tuesday, Luna has stated the revolt will continue and extend to other House measures. Already, she has called for the SAVE America Act to be attached to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or any other must-pass bill in the House.
🚨 BREAKING: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announces there is a HOUSE BLOCKADE on any Senate legislation unless the SAVE America Act passes
If the Senate refuses to pass it? “We will stick it on FISA!”
Playing HARDBALL 🔥pic.twitter.com/3U0AEy5kbC
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 17, 2026
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) announced, “I was a NO on this Senate bill. Until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, I will not go along with business as usual. This is about the survival of our democracy.”
I was a NO on this Senate bill.
Until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, I will not go along with business as usual.
This is about the survival of our democracy. https://t.co/A50kvMcH5X
— Congressman Jeff Van Drew (@Congressman_JVD) March 17, 2026
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Col.) stated, “I’ve made my positions to House Leadership clear: I’m a NO on all senate bills until they pass the SAVE America Act. I’m a NO on FISA as it stands. I’m a NO on the rule for FISA to boot. Swamp isn’t happy but that’s where I’m at. Pass the SAVE America Act and I MIGHT feel differently 💁🏻♀️”
I’ve made my positions to House Leadership clear:
I’m a NO on all senate bills until they pass the SAVE America Act.
I’m a NO on FISA as it stands.
I’m a NO on the rule for FISA to boot.
Swamp isn’t happy but that’s where I’m at. Pass the SAVE America Act and I MIGHT feel…
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) March 17, 2026
Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) announced he is on board with the effort as well.
“Today, I’m voting NO on the Senate bill coming to the House floor. Until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, @HouseGOP should not reward Senators for their inaction. Nothing is more important than saving America,” Harris declared.
Today, I’m voting NO on the Senate bill coming to the House floor.
Until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, @HouseGOP should not reward Senators for their inaction.
Nothing is more important than saving America. pic.twitter.com/d3OdooksKb
— Rep. Mark Harris (@RepMarkHarrisNC) March 17, 2026
“Rome deteriorated and ultimately fell as a result of a corrupt Senate. I refuse to allow this country to follow the same path,” Luna declared.
Rome deteriorated and ultimately fell as a result of a corrupt Senate.
I refuse to allow this country to follow the same path.
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) March 17, 2026
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) March 17, 2026
READ MORE from the Washington Examiner.
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