Senate Republicans must show courage and advance election integrity measure
What would happen if the quarterback of your favorite football team decided to spike the ball on every down because he was worried about getting sacked, fumbling the ball and giving it to the other team?
He’d get benched, of course, and lose the support of his teammates, fans and coaches.
There are times when grounding the ball is necessary. But doing it routinely is a losing strategy. In all cases, winning the game requires playing offense and playing to the strengths of the team. If you have a good running back, run the ball. If you have good receivers, throw the ball. No matter what, show your team, fans and coaches that you’re willing to leave it all on the field.
This is good leadership.
Congress will soon revisit a piece of legislation supported by all House Republicans and five House Democrats. Eighty-three percent of voters polled support what it would accomplish. Former President Trump, the Republican nominee, says we should add it to the upcoming government funding bill ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline, which Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is working on right now.
In the Republican Party, President Trump is the coach of the team. He has called for a pass on third-and-long with a few minutes left in the fourth quarter. The score is nearly even, the whole game is on the line, and we must get the first down to win. This is the kind of play call that determines whether we win or lose.
Unfortunately, Senate Republican leadership plans to throw the ball away, forcing a punt when Americans desperately need a first down.
The legislation in question is the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship for people registering to vote in federal elections, including this November. It is being reported that some Senate Republican leaders are working against adding this legislation to the upcoming funding bill.
Why? With President Biden’s wide-open border and reports that non-citizens are being illegally registered to vote, the integrity of American elections is in grave danger. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently announced that his administration had identified and removed 6,500 non-citizens from voter rolls. In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) announced the removal of 6,303 non-citizens from his state’s voter rolls as well. If the 2024 election turns out to be a game of inches, these are numbers that could determine its outcome.
Reasonable minds may disagree on the particular play call of adding the SAVE Act to the funding bill. But facing such serious threats to our country, Republicans need our Senate leadership to move the ball down the field rather than throw it away for fear of a fumble or an interception.
Senate Republicans need a mentality shift when it comes to our leaders. The opportunity to elect a new one later this year will be an chance to reevaluate how the Senate operates. It’s time to decide what’s working and what isn't.
My colleagues seeking a leadership position can demonstrate their ability by spelling out how they can help their fellow Republican senators accomplish what we believe is best for our states and our country. Members of our team have unmatched backgrounds, talents and strengths that we ignore to our own detriment. We should play to the strengths of our team.
Instead of telling senators what they can’t do, the next Republican leader should come ready with playbooks for advancing Republican priorities. Above all, the next GOP leader should ensure that the process works for Republican senators rather than against them.
Unfortunately, this is not a game. The stakes for our country are higher than ever. If Senate Republicans don’t start demanding a new way of doing business from their leadership, they will forfeit their chance to save this country.
The SAVE Act is a powerful example of why good leadership in the Senate is critical for the future of America. It is one of many victories Americans will see if they choose to empower Republicans, including President Trump, in November’s election. To earn that power, Senate Republicans must be willing and ready to advance the ball to achieve real legislative wins, now and in the years to come.
Mike Lee is the senior U.S. senator from Utah.
Date: | |
Tag: | Republican Party |
Topics
-
The Hill - Politics
Texas Republican says 'whoever wins' 2024 election, the public must 'support the president'
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the 2024 election results and supporting “whoever wins” the presidency this November. “Whoever wins, I view myself ...23 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
Democrats build momentum in Texas Senate race
Democrats are seeing new signs they could make inroads in the traditionally deep-red state of Texas this fall. The party has long faced hurdles in the Lone Star State. Winning the White House race ...4 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
Dems bank on boost from Florida's abortion and marijuana ballot measures
Two Florida ballot measures on abortion and recreational marijuana are turning the state's elections upside down, worrying Republicans while giving Democrats hope in this year's presidential battle ...4 hours ago - Abortion -
The Hill - Politics
A recession could be this election’s ‘October surprise’
That would be bad news for Kamala Harris.2 hours ago -
Politico - Politics
Senate Dems balk at Johnson's spending bill, but wait to release their own plan
5 days ago -
The Hill - Politics
Democrats look to put Republicans in a bind on IVF
Senate Democrats are trying to put Republicans in a bind as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) plans to hold another vote on in vitro fertilization access this week, a move that comes ...4 hours ago - Republican Party -
CBS Sports - Sports
Bengals' Cam Taylor-Britt makes must-see, one-handed interception of Patrick Mahomes
Taylor-Britt made what may go down as the interception of the year15 hours ago - NFL -
The Hill - Politics
Shapiro on Harris’s chances in Pennsylvania: 'Every election is close'
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said Sunday that "every election is close in" his home state when asked about Vice President Harris's chances of winning it. “How likely is it at this point that ...21 hours ago -
The Wall Street Journal - World
It's Too Close to the Election for the Fed to Cut Rates
There’s a reason the central bank almost never makes changes in the final months of a campaign.19 hours ago - Federal Reserve -
Politico - Politics
New Schmitt, Grassley proposal debuts amid Senate GOP rules change fight
3 days ago
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
House Republicanon second Trump assassination attempt: Secret Service is 'compromised'
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said in the wake of a second apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump that the Secret Service is "compromised" and "lacks in leadership.” “The ...31 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Musk deletes Harris assassination 'joke'
Elon Musk came under fire Sunday after he wrote that “no one is even trying” to assassinate Vice President Harris in a now-deleted post on the social platform X following what the FBI called a ...42 minutes ago - Elon Musk -
The Hill - Politics
Biden says Secret Service ‘needs more help’ after second Trump assassination attempt
President Biden said the United States Secret Service needs further assistance after former President Trump was the target of a second assassination attempt while golfing in Florida on Sunday. “One ...46 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
Former Trump aide: ‘You’re going to get the Laura Loomers of the world’ in second administration
Sarah Matthews, a former spokesperson for former President Trump, warned that if he is reelected, his administration would be staffed with the “Laura Loomers of the world.” Matthews joined MSNBC’s ...49 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
'October surprise': Democrats will have down-ballot reasons to cheer
Democrats are outperforming predictions in Senate and House races, potentially leading to a strong showing for Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race, and a chance for meaningful ...1 hour ago