The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which would require providing ID to vote, passed the House in February but sits stalled in the Senate, where it needs 60 “ayes” to overcome a filibuster.

With a tight 53-47 GOP margin in the Senate, that’s not likely to happen.

Many have suggested that we get rid of the filibuster altogether and force up or down votes in the chamber, or reinstating the "talking filibuster" — but Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) threw cold water on that plan:

Thune said Monday that changing the Senate's long-standing filibuster rules to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act is not a realistic option despite a pressure campaign from Trump and some conservative lawmakers.

"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Thune told ABC News when asked whether Republicans might change Senate rules to bypass the 60-vote threshold required for most legislation.

Eighty-three percent of Americans support voter ID, according to a February CNN poll, so it’s beyond frustrating to many that the measure can’t get through the Senate and head to the president’s desk.

?NEW: CNN poll shows Americans support voter ID to vote in elections.

Harry Enten admits the public is with Nicki Minaj — photo ID to vote. pic.twitter.com/qUvYtI4e8P

— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) February 3, 2026

Some Republican lawmakers have pushed for a return to the “talking filibuster,” the old-style version where senators had to speak nonstop to hold up legislation. In the modern version, they just have to signal their intent to filibuster, and then they can go about their business.

Although Trump has stated that passing the act would be a key to the GOP holding the majority in the midterms, Thune said the votes simply aren't there for that proposal:

? BREAKING: Senate Leader John Thune announces the votes ARE NOT THERE for a talking filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act — AND he doubts the ability to pass the bill through reconciliation, which would require only a simple majority

Trump mentioned convincing the 4-5… pic.twitter.com/drE6ythGIs

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 10, 2026

Senate Leader John Thune announces the votes ARE NOT THERE for a talking filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act — AND he doubts the ability to pass the bill through reconciliation, which would require only a simple majority

Trump mentioned convincing the 4-5 holdouts so this can get done yesterday

THUNE: "The votes aren't there for a talking filibuster, it's just a reality."

On reconciliation: "Very, very difficult" and that "pieces" of the bill could be included — Thune tells Punchbowl

A vote will likely still occur, but it needs 60 votes.

This won't go over well. That's a fact.

Thune said a “talking filibuster” isn’t the magic bullet some believe it is, because senators can add unlimited amendments:

"What people don't realize is that it's unlimited debate but also unlimited amendments," Thune said, according to The Hill. "You have to have unified support not only for the goal but also for defeating amendments that would undo the legislation."

We've discussed both the pros and cons of nuking the filibuster, and opinions remain stubbornly divided.

MORE: Trump Tells Senate GOP He's Not Signing Any Other Legislation Until SAVE America Act Is Passed

Is the SAVE America Act Worth Nuking the Filibuster? Signs Now Point to Yes.

It is certainly aggravating that our legislature cannot pass a bill that has overwhelming support from the people who should matter, the voters. Despite the frustration of some that the Republican leadership has been unable to solve the logjam, though, it’s important to remember that in the end, it’s Democrats who are defying the will of the people. The only way to stop their shenanigans is to win big in the midterms.

Otherwise, we will only see more gridlock as the minority party continues to stifle commonsense legislation.

Editor's Note: The Democrats are doing everything in their power to undermine the integrity of our elections.

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