Trump threatens to block legislation unless Congress advances his agenda, including voter ID bill
US president threatens to withhold signing legislation unless Congress advances key priorities including SAVE Act, limits on mail-in ballots and transgender policies
WASHINGTON
US President Donald Trump threatened Monday to refuse to sign any legislation unless lawmakers advance his agenda through Congress, including voter identification requirements and restrictions on transgender issues.
“If you could, if I could ask to go for the gold. We're going for the gold. We're not going for the bronze. We're not going to sign a watered down version,” he said during his remarks at a Republican conference in Florida.
“Let's go for the gold, and let's just not accept anything else,” he added.
Trump stressed that he is prepared to block any legislation until his priorities are addressed, saying: “I'm not going to sign anything until this is approved.”
The SAVE Act would require individuals to provide documentary proof of US citizenship when registering to vote and present photo identification when casting a ballot.
The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the bill in February, but it still faces an uncertain path in the Senate.
Republicans argue that the legislation is necessary to prevent noncitizens from voting and to safeguard US elections, while Democrats and voting rights groups say the requirements could make it harder for eligible Americans to register and vote.
