Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended Senate Leader John Thune on Friday regarding the stalled SAVE America Act.
Mullin characterized Thune as a friend and ally, stating he had not heard of any effort to remove him from Senate leadership.
The remarks came during a press briefing on foreign election interference and illegal voting following a national address on the issue.
The Department of Homeland Security has identified nearly 300,000 foreign nationals illegally registered to vote across a limited number of states that provided data to federal authorities.
Officials say the findings underscore the urgency of passing voter identification legislation currently before the Senate.
Mullin asserted the SAVE America Act should have been enacted already and called its delay indefensible.
He noted Thune supports the legislation but faces a numerical obstacle in securing passage.
The Senate previously recorded 49 votes in favor of the measure, short of the 51 required even if the filibuster were eliminated.
Mullin explained that reaching 50 votes would allow the vice president to break the tie, but Thune has not mobilized sufficient support.
The president has publicly criticized Thune as a weak leader unwilling to apply pressure to close the gap.
Thune told reporters the legislation would not pass the Senate and attributed the impasse to Democratic opposition.
The House has passed the SAVE America Act for a third time, increasing pressure on the Senate to act.
