Mar 12, 2026 minute read

Republican leaders in the United States Senate say a major voter identification proposal will soon reach the floor, even though Senate Majority Leader John Thune claims that votes are not there to pass it and he won’t push forward with the option of forcing the Democrats to delivering a talking filibuster.

Thune confirmed that Republicans plan to bring the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act up for consideration next week. The legislation, which would make voter ID a national requirement, has backing from Donald Trump. The president has urged lawmakers to ensure it passes before the next election cycle.

Thune claimed, “We don’t have the votes either to proceed, get on a talking filibuster, nor to sustain one if we got on it,” according to Fox. “But that is just a function of math, and there isn’t anything I can do about that. I mean, I understand the president’s got a passion to see this issue addressed, as we all do.”

If the GOP were to force the Democrats into a talking filibuster, that would lead lengthy legislative session where the lawmakers are required to stay on Capitol Hill, likely lasting days. However, when if the Democrats then broke the filibuster, the Senate GOP would be able to pass the SAVE America Act with a bear majority instead of needing 60 votes. However, the Republicans need 51 Senators read in the chamber to vote on motions as well as amendments as they arise. 

The use of the talking filibuster, and what would turn into a vote-a-rama, may last weeks on end. But Thune has had concerns over the time that would be spent over the bill.  

The proposal would tighten requirements tied to voter eligibility but Democrats in the Senate have largely lined up against it, creating the hurdle for Republicans.  Some of the GOP lawmakers have signaled an unwillingness to go through the process of the breaking the talking filibuster.  

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, criticized the bill during remarks about the measure. “This is a bill that destroys the country,” Schumer said. “And it is not about showing ID when you show up to vote.”

Republican lawmakers have discussed several potential paths forward. One option would involve pushing the measure through the budget reconciliation process, a procedure that allows legislation with budgetary impact to pass with a simple majority. That approach would require meeting strict rules overseen by the Senate parliamentarian.

John Kennedy has argued that careful drafting could help the proposal survive that process.

“It really comes down to what the [Senate] parliamentarian says, and I would get the best minds I could find to try to draft a provision that would survive Byrd,” Kennedy said. “When you argue or debate with the parliamentarian, you’ve got to be ready. You can’t just walk in there and pull it out of your orifices.”

Other Republicans say the immediate strategy may involve bringing the bill to the floor along with a series of amendments. That process would force multiple votes and put senators on the record on related issues.

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