The SAVE America Act may not have passed the Senate last week, but supporters of the election integrity measure are pointing to a late-night vote as evidence that the legislation is far from dead.
The legislation, strongly backed by President Donald Trump, would require proof of U. S. citizenship to register for federal elections and establish voter identification requirements nationwide.
While the measure ultimately failed to clear Senate procedural hurdles, supporters argue the vote revealed something important: the SAVE America Act now appears to have the votes needed to pass the Senate under a simple majority standard.
Republicans made two separate attempts to attach the legislation to the immigration package
The first effort, led by Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, included a modified version of the SAVE America Act that incorporated additional provisions sought by President Trump, including language related to protecting women’s sports.
That amendment ran into resistance from within the Republican conference.
Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined Senate Democrats in opposing the proposal
Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined Senate Democrats in opposing the proposal.
The amendment failed 48-50.
But a second effort produced a very different outcome.
Later in the evening, Sen
Mike Lee of Utah introduced the original House-passed SAVE America Act without the additional provisions.
This time, Collins switched her vote and joined most Republicans in support.
The amendment received 50 votes in favor and 49 against.
With Vice President JD Vance available to cast a tie breaking vote if necessary, supporters quickly noted that the legislation effectively demonstrated majority support in the Senate
Lee celebrated the result shortly after the vote.
“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.
The vote immediately reignited debate among conservatives about Senate rules and whether Republican leadership should pursue procedural reforms to advance the legislation
Under current Senate rules, most legislation requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
Because every Senate Democrat opposed the SAVE America Act, the measure fell well short of that threshold despite receiving majority support.
Conservatives have increasingly focused their criticism on what they call the “Zombie Filibuster,” a modern version of the filibuster that allows senators to block legislation without physically holding the Senate floor
Supporters of reform argue that requiring senators to conduct an old-fashioned talking filibuster would dramatically change the political dynamics surrounding legislation like the SAVE America Act.
Under a traditional talking filibuster, opponents would be forced to continuously hold the floor and defend their position publicly.
If they eventually exhausted their ability to continue debate, the Senate could move toward a final vote requiring only a simple majority
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has remained cautious. The debate has also extended to the Senate parliamentarian.
President Trump renewed calls this week for Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to be removed after she ruled that the SAVE America Act could not be included in the immigration package under reconciliation rules.
We have every right to change her, and should do so, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social
“As long as she’s there, we will never get our desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT approved, and put into full force and effect! ”
Thune has shown little interest in taking that step.
That’s not a new request,” Thune told reporters
We lose a few, we win a few, but that’s been true when Democrats have been in the majority too. ”
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently pointed to California’s prolonged vote-counting process as an example of why many Americans have lost confidence in election systems.
“It stinks to high heaven and everybody knows that,” Johnson said. “Let’s have votes on an election the day of the election. ”
Johnson also reiterated his support for the SAVE America Act
“We need people to believe in the integrity of our election system,” Johnson said. “It is critical to maintain a constitutional republic. ”
