White House Chief of Staff Wiles makes rare Capitol Hill visit to push SAVE Act

Published Jul 31, 03:16 PM UTC

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill to urge top Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, a controversial voter restriction bill that would ban mail-in voting and require proof of identity via birth certificate or passport. The meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and GOP Whip John Barrasso was described as 'candid' but not immediately productive, with Thune stating he would only move the president's agenda when there are enough votes. The intervention follows public pressure from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who warned Trump's patience was 'running out' on the legislation. Wiles also discussed efforts to end the filibuster, a Trump priority repeatedly rebuked by the Senate. With only five business days before the August recess, the bill faces an uphill battle as the caucus reportedly lacks the necessary votes.