President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota to advance the GOP-backed SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill, as Republicans debate whether to revive a “talking filibuster” to bypass Democratic opposition.
Trump urged action during his State of the Union address, while House conservatives and several Senate Republicans have pushed Thune to consider procedural changes that could allow passage with a simple majority.
Thune has said he intends to bring the bill to the floor but has warned there is not enough support in the Senate GOP conference to weaken the 60-vote threshold. He also said timing could depend on resolving the Department of Homeland Security funding impasse.
Supporters of the measure argue it would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and identification to cast ballots, including by mail. Critics within both parties warn altering Senate rules could paralyze the chamber, disrupt nominations, and set a precedent Democrats could use when they regain the majority.
Some Republicans said internal pressure from House members has grown, but several senators cautioned that the strategy faces steep obstacles and could crowd out other priorities.
Democratic leaders said negotiations on funding the government remain stalled, complicating the Senate’s legislative calendar as debate over the voting bill intensifies.
