WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate voted 49-41 in favor of inserting language to ban transgender athletes from women's sports into Senator Mike Lee's proof-of-citizenship and voter ID legislation, but the amendment failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster during a weekend Senate session.

The amendment was led by Senators Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and would have added provisions banning biological men from playing in women's sports. It was the first amendment considered after a five-day Republican floor takeover of the Senate floor.

Senator Mike Lee voted in favor of the amendment, while Senator John Curtis was absent from the vote. President Donald Trump demanded a ban on transgender athletes participating in women's sports in recent weeks.

"We are in the middle of a spirited and lengthy debate on the SAVE America Act," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. "It's a piece of common-sense legislation that we think is overwhelmingly supported by the American people, and we intend to keep pushing forward and ensure that the American people know whether their senators are for or against ensuring that only American citizens vote in American elections."

Earlier in the week, Lee told reporters he believed a path to 60 votes was possible for the broader legislation. "We need to debate this as long as it takes to get it done, and we're not there yet," Lee said.

Thune signaled that the next amendment would address photo identification requirements. "Thirty-six states have adopted photo ID laws. Why wouldn't we have a nationwide one?" Thune said. The SAVE America Act includes language establishing photo ID requirements for federal elections.

The Senate will remain in session throughout the weekend to consider other pending business. Further action on the SAVE America Act is likely to occur next week.