Congressional Republicans are taking steps to sidestep President Donald Trump’s SAVE America Act, emphasizing a broader legislative agenda as the midterm elections loom. Despite Trump’s insistence that the bill be prioritized — demanding it be passed before he considers other legislation — GOP lawmakers are showing a strong inclination to move forward with other policy initiatives.

At a retreat in Doral, Florida, House Republicans made it evident that the SAVE America Act, which primarily targets election laws, is not at the forefront of their agenda. According to sources, discussions at the retreat focused on various bipartisan efforts, including infrastructure, water projects, and agricultural reforms, rather than the contentious elections legislation.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the act will likely face a vote in the Senate next week. However, it is expected to fail due to the 60-vote threshold and strong Democratic opposition. Thune has resisted pressure from Trump and other high-profile figures like Elon Musk for a "talking filibuster," which would require Democrats to continuously speak on the Senate floor to maintain their blockade.

“The votes just aren’t there for a talking filibuster,” Thune told the press, signaling a pragmatic approach to legislative strategy. He added that his role requires a realistic assessment of what can be accomplished under current political conditions.

Thune expressed hope that once the vote demonstrates the act's unfeasibility, Trump would be willing to sign other significant legislation. One such piece is a bipartisan housing affordability package, which recently advanced in the Senate with substantial support.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are deliberating other major legislative goals at their policy summit. Speaker Mike Johnson and other party leaders are hesitant to pass the elections overhaul for a third time, particularly with Trump’s demanded amendments like a near-total ban on mail voting, which many in the party oppose.

The House is also considering revisiting immigration reforms, with Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan highlighting potential changes to the guest worker visa program. Additionally, there's talk of another major bill through the budget reconciliation process, although consensus on its contents remains elusive.

Other Noteworthy Developments:

The House Oversight Committee is set to depose Jeffrey Epstein’s accountant, Richard Kahn, as part of an ongoing investigation into the financier's financial dealings. Over in the Senate, a Finance subcommittee will hear from Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel about the fiscal outlook for the coming decade.

As these legislative maneuvers unfold, it’s clear that while Trump’s priorities may loom large, Congressional Republicans are charting their own course ahead of critical midterm elections, balancing between party loyalty and practical governance.