Both efforts ultimately failed, but the second vote provided supporters with a significant breakthrough.
Mike Lee’s version of the amendment, which mirrored the House-passed SAVE America Act, received 50 votes in favor and 49 against.
Susan Collins switched her vote to support the measure after opposing an earlier version offered by Sen. Lindsey Graham. The result demonstrated that Republicans can assemble a Senate majority behind the legislation.
Sen
With Vice President JD Vance available to cast a tie-breaking vote, supporters argue the bill effectively has the backing of 51 senators. “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 wrote after the vote.
That reality has sparked renewed debate among conservatives over whether Republicans should pursue reforms to Senate procedures, including a return to the traditional “talking filibuster,” which would require senators opposing legislation to physically hold the floor rather than simply threatening a filibuster.
Supporters argue that the current system allows a minority of senators to block legislation without publicly defending their position.
The legislation remains blocked by Senate rules requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster
On Monday, Trump called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to remove Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she ruled that the SAVE America Act could not be included in the border security package under reconciliation rules.
“We have every right to change her, and should do so, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Thune has so far resisted those calls, noting that parliamentarian rulings affect both parties and warning that removing her could create additional divisions within the Republican conference.
President Trump has also intensified pressure on Senate leadership
The debate comes as Republican leaders continue highlighting election concerns in states such as California.
“It stinks to high heaven and everybody knows that,” Johnson said.
“Let’s have votes on an election the day of the election.”
🚨 JUST IN: Speaker Johnson GOES OFF on California's fraudulent "late mail-in ballot" counting against Spencer Pratt — says he will CONTINUE pushing the SAVE America Act
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 8, 2026
"It STINKS to high heaven and EVERYBODY knows that!"
"Let's have votes on an election the DAY of the… https://t.co/BgPAn0zrFL pic.twitter.com/qHGqCM64yj
“As long as she’s there, we will never get our desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT approved, and put into full force and effect.”
Johnson also emphasized the broader importance of restoring trust in elections.
“We need people to believe in the integrity of our election system,” he said.
We’re going to keep working to pass the SAVE America Act because it requires, as you know, proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote.”
Speaker Mike Johnson recently criticized California’s lengthy ballot-counting process, arguing that delayed election results undermine public confidence
Johnson pointed to polling that he said shows overwhelming public support for those requirements.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Thune acknowledged frustrations with California’s election system while urging caution about making fraud allegations without evidence.
“This is a stupid way to run elections. It undermines confidence.”
“It is critical to maintain a constitutional republic
“But the fact it takes days to count votes in a state like California when other states count quickly and get a result, it’s incompetence if nothing else.”
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli recently accused state officials of obstructing efforts by the Department of Justice to audit California’s voter rolls.
“California is blocking a federal audit of its voter rolls,” Essayli wrote.
