U.S. Senate Republicans need to “buckle down” and “get their work done” in the final week before their summer recess, Representative Pete Sessions of Texas said Friday.
Sessions emphasized that the House has already passed key legislation and now it is up to Senate Republicans to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda before lawmakers leave Washington for August.
“The Senate has work to do,” Sessions stated. “They’ve got a week left, and they need to get their work done.”
Among his top priorities, Sessions highlighted the SAVE America Act—which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections—continued government funding through a short-term spending measure, and additional defense funding to replenish military stockpiles.
Sessions also criticized Democrats over immigration after referencing comments from Senator Mark Warner on illegal immigration and the Laken Riley Act. He called Warner’s remarks “dangerous rhetoric” and accused Democrats of supporting border policies that allow millions of migrants to enter without proper vetting.
“When you create a criminal act against an American citizen, we’re going to come find you,” Sessions said, adding that the issue will remain central in next year’s elections.
Sessions noted that House members have already packaged election integrity provisions with other legislation and sent priorities to the Senate. He urged Senate leaders to continue working on a revised version of the bill that could pass.
The comments come as Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces pressure from Trump and conservative lawmakers to advance stalled Republican priorities before the chamber’s scheduled recess.
Trump has urged Senate Republicans to remain in session until key legislation, including election security measures, is addressed.
Sessions acknowledged challenges in securing enough votes for the election bill but suggested that a revised version with fewer provisions might pass. “We have to fund the government,” he said. “We have to make sure we fund the military.”
The Texas Republican argued that Republicans must continue their efforts to secure passage of these measures before the August recess.
