Senate Majority Leader John Thune Faces Conservative Backlash Over Adjournment and SAVE America Bill

Senate Majority Leader John Thorne Thune adjourned the Senate until early June, halting debate on several Republican‑priority measures, including the SAVE America Act, a $72 billion ICE funding bill and voter‑ID legislation. Conservatives accused Thune of stalling key bills and expressed frustration on social media and within party circles.

Turning Point Action and the Club for Growth warned they could support a primary challenger against Thune if the SAVE America Act does not pass, echoing Trump’s criticism that the Senate must eliminate the filibuster to advance the legislation. A Turning Point official suggested former Florida Gov. Rick Scott as a possible replacement for Senate leadership. The group also indicated it may widen its primary‑challenge campaign nationally.

The adjournment also delayed a $1.8 billion “anti‑weaponization” program and the ICE funding needed for deportation operations, prompting further outrage among conservatives who view border security as a priority.