Kennedy Urges GOP To Use Budget Reconciliation To Pass SAVE Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) is calling for a major tactical shift in the fight for election integrity, urging Senate Republicans to bypass a looming Democrat filibuster by passing the SAVE America Act through the budget reconciliation process.
Speaking from the Senate floor, Kennedy argued that the current path—a standard legislative vote requiring 60 signatures—is a "guaranteed dead end" given uniform Democrat opposition. Instead, he is pushing leadership to leverage the same simple-majority maneuver used to pass the landmark "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBBA) in 2025.
The Strategy: "Math, Not Magic"
With Republicans holding 53 seats, Kennedy noted that a reconciliation bill would only require 51 votes, with Vice President JD Vance available to break any ties. This would strip Senate Democrats of their primary weapon: the 60-vote cloture threshold.
The Model: Kennedy pointed to the OBBBA (Public Law 119-21), signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, which used reconciliation to enact massive tax cuts and $150 billion in border security funding.
The Goal: Incorporate the SAVE Act’s proof-of-citizenship requirements and national voter ID mandates into a new reconciliation package that also includes additional funding for ICE and defense.
Navigating the "Byrd Bath"
The primary hurdle for Kennedy’s plan is the Byrd Rule, which prohibits "extraneous" policy changes that do not have a direct impact on the federal budget. Provisions that fail this test are referred to as "Byrd droppings" and are stripped from the bill by the Senate Parliamentarian.
Kennedy remains undeterred, urging the GOP to enlist "the smartest lawyers in the room" to frame the SAVE Act as a budgetary necessity. He argued that the cost of administering elections and the federal oversight required for citizenship verification provide the "fiscal hook" needed to survive a Byrd bath.
“I’ve seen things pass muster that I didn’t think had a hope in hell,” Kennedy remarked. “You don’t know until you try, and we haven't tried.”
Leadership Skepticism and Pressure
While the proposal has energized the MAGA base, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has remained a "clear-eyed realist" regarding the math. Thune has prioritized a standard floor debate to put Democrats on the record, though he has not ruled out reconciliation as a long-term secondary option.
The pressure on Thune is intensifying as President Trump continues to label the SAVE Act his "top legislative priority," even threatening to block other must-pass legislation until the voting bill reaches his desk.
As the Senate prepares for a critical vote-a-rama before the spring recess, Kennedy’s proposal has turned the "Byrd Rule" into the next major battlefield for the 2026 election cycle. Whether the Parliamentarian allows a voting bill to be "cleaned" in a Byrd bath remains the $3 trillion question in Washington.
BREAKING: Trump joins wife Melania in calling on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel
Trump demands ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel ‘immediately’ after ‘expectant widow’ quip about Melania
President Trump called on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel on Monday after the comedian referred to Melania Trump as “an expectant widow” two days before Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC,” the president wrote in a post on Truth Social, echoing a call made by the first lady earlier in the day.
“Kimmel, who is in no way funny as attested to by his terrible Television Ratings, made a statement on his Show that is really shocking. He showed a fake video of the First Lady, Melania, and our son, Barron, like they were actually sitting in his studio, listening to him speak, which they weren’t, and never would be,” the president noted.
One of Washington, DC’s social events of the year, the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner received outsize attention due to the president and first lady attending for the first time since they entered the White House.
Kimmel mocked the event on his show Thursday night, giving his own speech in which he said: “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”
Melania Trump savagely criticized the late-night host earlier Monday, calling him a “coward” who “hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him.”
“Enough is enough,” the first lady added on X. “It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community?”
The Trump administration launched an all-out assault on Kimmel and also went after Democratic lawmakers who were critical of the president, saying their rhetoric led to incidents like the one that took place Saturday night.
“Who, in their right mind, says a wife would be glowing over the potential murder of her beloved husband?” asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday. “And having experienced what I did with the first lady on Saturday night, I can tell you that she was anything but.”
Leavitt, who is nine months pregnant, was seated at the head table at Saturday night’s dinner, next to the first lady.
Both women had to crawl off stage as security escorted them — and the president — to safety.
Kimmel is facing severe backlash after Saturday’s attack on the gala dinner, in which a Secret Service agent suffered minor injuries after a gunman charged a checkpoint in a bid to kill President Trump and others in his administration.
Cole Allen, 31, was detained by authorities and was arraigned on multiple federal charges Monday afternoon in the DC federal court.
Monday marked the second time Trump has called for the comedian’s firing. The first was in September 2025, when Kimmel was taken off the air for a week following backlash from affiliates in the wake of his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his assassination.
The week-long suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” prompted widespread boycotts of Disney, with liberals accusing it of violating the First Amendment.
Kimmel failed to apologize upon his return to the air Sept. 23, but said: “It was never my intention to make light of a murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
But President Trump fumed about ABC’s decision to give him his show back.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” he wrote in a Truth Social post at the time.
“The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”
Savannah Guthrie Reveals She Will Never Speak to Her Sister Again After Disturbing Family Dinner Incident
Savannah Guthrie, the well-known television journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, has recently shared a deeply personal and emotional revelation about her family. In a candid interview, Savannah disclosed that she has made the heartbreaking decision to sever all communication with her sister. This drastic step came after Savannah witnessed her sister’s unacceptable treatment of their mother during what was supposed to be a meaningful family dinner. The incident has not only strained their sibling relationship but also brought to light the complexities of family loyalty and respect.
The Heartbreaking Dinner That Changed Everything
Family dinners are traditionally moments of connection, warmth, and shared memories. However, for Savannah Guthrie, the last dinner she shared with her sister was anything but that. According to Savannah, the evening was marred by her sister’s disrespectful and hurtful behavior towards their mother. The specifics of the confrontation have not been fully disclosed, but Savannah’s words paint a vivid picture of emotional turmoil and disappointment."
"Savannah expressed her profound disillusionment by stating, “She doesn’t deserve to be my mother’s daughter.” This powerful statement underscores the depth of her hurt and the seriousness of the situation. It reveals not only a personal betrayal but also a breach of familial respect that Savannah finds unforgivable. The incident has evidently left a lasting impact on her, prompting her to take a firm stand to protect her mother’s dignity and well-being.
Understanding the Impact of Family Conflicts on Personal Relationships
Family conflicts, especially those involving parents and siblings, can have far-reaching effects on personal relationships. Savannah Guthrie’s experience highlights how unresolved issues and disrespect can lead to permanent rifts. When a family member’s behavior crosses a line, it forces others to reevaluate their relationships and boundaries."
In Savannah’s case, her decision to cut ties with her sister is a protective measure. It reflects her commitment to safeguarding her mother from further emotional harm and maintaining her own mental and emotional health. This situation also sheds light on the importance of communication, empathy, and respect within families to prevent such painful divisions.
Moreover, Savannah’s story resonates with many who have faced similar challenges. It serves as a reminder that while family bonds are significant, they should not come at the expense of personal dignity and respect. Sometimes, difficult decisions are necessary to preserve one’s values and emotional well-being.
How Savannah Guthrie’s Story Can Inspire Others
Savannah Guthrie’s openness about her family struggles is a testament to her courage and authenticity. By sharing her story, she encourages others to confront their own family issues honestly and to prioritize their mental health. It also emphasizes that setting boundaries, even with close relatives, is a vital part of self-care.
Her experience can inspire individuals to seek support, whether through counseling, trusted friends, or support groups, when dealing with family conflicts. It also highlights the importance of standing up against disrespect and advocating for loved ones who may be vulnerable.
Moving Forward: Healing and Hope Beyond Family Strife
While Savannah Guthrie’s decision to cut off contact with her sister is undoubtedly painful, it also marks the beginning of a healing journey. Family conflicts, especially those involving deep emotional wounds, require time, patience, and sometimes professional help to resolve.
For Savannah, focusing on her mother’s well-being and nurturing positive relationships with other family members may provide solace and strength. It also opens the door for potential reconciliation in the future, should her sister choose to acknowledge her mistakes and make amends.
This story reminds us that family dynamics are complex and ever-changing. While some relationships may end or pause, others can grow stronger through understanding and forgiveness.
Conclusion
Savannah Guthrie’s revelation about her decision to never speak to her sister again after witnessing her mistreatment of their mother is a powerful example of the challenges many families face. It underscores the importance of respect, boundaries, and self-care in maintaining healthy relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with family conflicts, remember that seeking help and setting boundaries can be crucial steps toward healing. Stay informed and empowered by following our updates on family dynamics and personal well-being.
