Senate Departs for Summer Without Voting Bill Backed by President

The departure for the summer recess confirmed a reality that had been apparent for weeks in Washington. Republicans ultimately lacked the necessary votes to pass the voting restrictions. The legislation had been made a top legislative priority by the president. Senate leaders faced an insurmountable math problem within their own caucus. The inability to secure enough support left the high-profile voting bill completely undone. Observers had noted the difficult path forward for the measure for some time. The stalled legislation highlights ongoing divisions over election rules in Congress. Lawmakers departed without reaching any resolution on the contested proposal.