Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) announced progress on the SAVE America Act, revealing that negotiations with Senate Majority Leader John Thune have led to a "hybrid" talking filibuster strategy. Lee, the bill's lead sponsor, said recent discussions with Thune and his staff have produced meaningful progress on how the legislation could be debated and brought to a vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed Thursday that he would bring the SAVE America Act to the Senate floor next week. The voter-ID bill backed by President Donald Trump would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot. Thune's staff has been planning days of floor debate likely to begin next Monday or Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Lee described the new approach as "a hybrid version of the talking filibuster," explaining that Republicans plan to "bring it to the floor" and "debate it for an extended period of time before filing cloture." The strategy aims to replicate a talking filibuster while skirting the usual 60-vote threshold, though Lee said he remains "guardedly" encouraged and hopes Republicans will change course once the bill reaches the floor.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, with Democrats having vowed to oppose the bill. Given strong Democratic opposition, the legislation is expected to fail on a final vote. For months, Trump and GOP hardliners have called for changes to Senate filibuster rules to ensure passage, but Thune has rejected those calls, saying changing Senate procedure could have unintended consequences.
