Mike Johnson ends House blockade over SAVE America Act

A faction of Republican hardliners led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna halted House floor action for weeks, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson to cancel votes on major bills. The bloc demanded that the SAVE America Act – a voter‑ID and proof‑of‑citizenship measure – be attached to must‑pass legislation such as the National Security and State appropriations bill. On Tuesday Johnson adopted a procedural rule that bundles the SAVE Act with the FY 2027 National Security‑State appropriations package, allowing the critical national‑security funding bill to advance. Luna signaled she would support reopening the floor only if the SAVE Act is included in all appropriations and sent to the Senate as a single package. Democrats oppose the bill and are expected to block it in the Senate, where a 60‑vote threshold is required. The blockade had delayed other appropriations and raised the specter of a government shutdown. Johnson is also working to win over other holdouts on Trump‑border policies and a daylight‑saving‑time amendment as the House approaches its August recess.