Hello readers. Welcome back to On Politics. Zach Schermele here, USA TODAY's congressional correspondent. It's Tuesday, and there's a very somber mood up here in the Capitol today as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are marking the loss of their longtime colleague, Lindsey Graham. More on that later.
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'We don't have the votes' |
I obtained an internal strategy document being circulated this week among Republican senators by conference leadership. It touches on all the latest hot-button issues, including the prospect of canceling the August recess to try to push through the SAVE America Act at President Trump's behest.
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Three of the suggested talking points include:
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"America needs the SAVE America Act ... But eliminating the filibuster is a way to win the battle and lose the war." |
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"If we eliminate the filibuster, Democrats will make Puerto Rico and DC states, stage a complete federal takeover of our elections, and pack the Supreme Court." |
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"I want to pass the SAVE America Act just as much as the President, but we don’t have the votes to pass the SAVE America Act or eliminate the filibuster. If staying in session will somehow change that outcome, then I’m all for it. But I don’t think staying in session will make more votes appear." |
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On the Iran war, senators were also advised to say they are "very concerned about the price of gas and want to make sure prices come down."
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Members of Congress paid tribute to Graham this morning during a memorial in the Capitol Rotunda. Vice President JD Vance spoke, as did Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, approached his casket while visibly sobbing. Former Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, leaned down and kissed it. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, tapped it with his knuckles, appearing to simulate a fist bump.
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U.S. Capitol Police honor guard are seen standing near Graham's casket.
JIM LO SCALZO, via REUTERS
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Up next: Russia sanctions bill |
In Graham's honor, the Senate is taking a vote tonight to begin considering a Russia sanctions bill. Shortly before that, a bipartisan group of senators will meet privately at 6 p.m. ET with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just outside the Senate chamber.
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Zachary Schermele is the congressional correspondent for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com.
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Graham's funeral began with a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. President Donald Trump will give an address at the Washington National Cathedral.
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