GOP Senators Back SAVE America Act But Balk At Using Talking Filibuster To Pass It
Republican senators largely supported the Save the American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) US Law but they are reluctant to be aggressive in filibustering to ensure passage of legislation.
Leader of the Republican majority in the Senate John Thune acknowledged Tuesday that he does not have the Republican votes needed to pass election integrity legislation using a talking filibuster, noting that he lacks the support “to proceed with or engage in a talking filibuster, nor to sustain one if we succeed.”
DOES NOT SUPPORT:
John Barrasso (WY)
John Boozman (AR)
Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
Susan Collins (ME)
Tom Cotton (AR)
Kevin Cramer (ND)
Mike Crapo (ID)
John Curtis (UT)
Steve Daines (MT)
Deb Fischer (NE)
Lindsey Graham (SC)
Chuck Grassley (RN)
John Hoeven (ND)
Jim Justice (WV)…–Mark Meadows (@MarkMeadows) March 10, 2026
He said it was “just a math function” and there was nothing he could do about it, adding that Republicans had made that known to President Donald Trump – a strong supporter of the legislation. (RELATED: Senate Republicans have the power to force Democrats to filibuster voter ID — so why aren’t they?)
These comments come as the SAVE Act has gained a number of Republican co-sponsors in the Senate. However, the measure has not yet been brought to the Senate for a vote after previously passing the House.
The Daily Caller reached out to Thune for comment and was referred to remarks he made during GOP oversight in the Senate on Tuesday, where the senator said he needed to be a “clear-eyed realist” about whether the legislation could ultimately pass.
“I think it’s important that everyone understands that it’s really about votes, it’s about calculations. And, for better or worse, I’m the one who has to be realistic and clear-eyed about what we can achieve here. And so we’ll continue to convey that,” Thune continued.
“And I think we’re going to fight on the ground. We’re going to vote on this. We’re going to put it out there and we’re going to give Democrats the opportunity to vote on whether or not they think noncitizens should vote in American elections,” he said in part.
🚨 BREAKING: Senate Leader John Thune says he is powerless to pass the SAVE America Act through the filibuster, he doesn’t have the votes
“It’s a question of votes, it’s a question of calculation! It’s me who must be realistic and lucid about what we can achieve here.” pic.twitter.com/piewxrEq6d
– Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 10, 2026
Several Republican senators have expressed support for both the legislation and the use of a filibuster — a strategy promoted by the SAVE America Act’s sponsor, the Utah senator. Mike Lee – to try to advance the SAVE America Act with a simple majority. (RELATED: Republican Senator Bernie Moreno explains why John Thune is struggling to advance the SAVE America Act)
The talking filibuster differs from the modern legislative filibuster because it does not eliminate the Senate’s 60-vote threshold and does not require changing — or abolishing — House rules. Instead, it requires senators to physically take the floor to block legislation.
Under this approach, the majority can wear down the opposition through continued debate and enforcement of the Senate’s two-speech rule, which limits each senator to two speeches on the same legislative issue per legislative day. By keeping the Senate in continuous session and refusing to adjourn, the majority can prevent the minority from resetting these speech limits, gradually exhausting its ability to prolong debate.
On Wednesday, Trump was asked by a reporter at a news conference outside the White House about Thune’s statement regarding the lack of votes for the SAVE Act.
“Well, he’s got to be a leader,” Trump said. “He’s the leader, he’s got to get them. This is the most popular bill I’ve ever seen introduced in Congress.” (RELATED: Chuck Schumer Makes Huge Gaffe While Ramping Up Hysteria Against Voter Integrity Bill)
🚨 HOLY SMOKES. President Trump just STARTED A FIRE under Senate Leader John Thune, demanding that he “BE A LEADER” and seek out votes for the SAVE America Act.
Q: Thune says he doesn’t have the votes.
TRUMP: “Well, HE MUST BE A LEADER! If he’s the leader, he must have them!”
“He… pic.twitter.com/H0xEPbasbF
– Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 11, 2026
Several Republican senators, including the senator from North Carolina. Thomas Tillis – expressed their opposition to the use of a talking parliamentary obstruction. Others, including the senator from Maine. Susan Collinssenator from Mississippi. Roger Wicker, and the senator from Utah. John Curtishave not publicly expressed support for the strategy. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposes the SAVE Act, but says she supports voter ID.
The caller contacted Collins, Wicker and Curtis about their support for the use of the talking filibuster, but did not receive a response prior to publication. The caller also contacted Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office, which did not comment on the senator’s stance on the filibuster.
