Senate Republicans Continue Struggle with SAVE America Act
Senate Republicans have faced challenges in advancing President Donald Trump’s voter ID and citizenship verification initiative, known as the SAVE America Act. A recent late-night Senate vote offered a glimmer of hope for the bill, which many had considered defunct.
During a marathon ‘vote-a-rama’ to progress the GOP’s $70 billion immigration enforcement package, Republicans attempted twice to attach the SAVE America Act to the legislation. Both attempts failed as some Republicans sided with Senate Democrats, complicating the effort. Amendments led by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, needed to overcome the filibuster, which proved to be an insurmountable hurdle.
Amendment Efforts and Filibuster Challenges
Graham’s version of the amendment included additional policies, such as restrictions on men in women’s sports, at Trump’s request. Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.—voted against this version, leaving the bill short of the necessary 50 votes. This outcome stymied the chance of launching a talking filibuster with Republican backing.
Lee’s version, however, did reach 50 votes after Collins switched her vote in support of the original SAVE America Act. Despite hitting this milestone, the absence of Vice President JD Vance’s vote as a potential tie-breaker left the bill stagnated.
“That means that but for the Zombie Filibuster, the House-passed SAVE America Act would now be on its way to the White House for President Trump’s signature,” Lee noted.
Conservative members like Lee have urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to implement a talking filibuster. Thune, concerned about maintaining Republican unity in the face of overwhelming Democratic amendments, has resisted taking this step.
Options and Opposition
Other potential strategies include eliminating the filibuster, a move Trump has sporadically advocated throughout his tenure. This option remains contentious among Republicans, cautious of potential repercussions if Democrats regain Senate control.
The Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth Macdonough, previously determined that the SAVE America Act did not meet the criteria to be part of the immigration package under a 50-vote requirement. Trump has criticized this decision and repeatedly pressured Thune to remove Macdonough.
“We have every right to change her, and should do so, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump declared on Truth Social, emphasizing the necessity of advancing the SAVE America Act.
Despite these calls, Thune has not prioritized removing the parliamentarian. He acknowledged the frustration but pointed out that rule disputes occur under both Democratic and Republican majorities.
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital with a focus on the U.S. Senate.