Trump Pressures Thune As SAVE America Act Faces Uncertain Path In Senate

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Senate Majority Leader John Thune must step up and deliver passage of the SAVE America Act as the legislation faces growing uncertainty in the Senate.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the bill remains the top priority for Republicans and urged Thune to take stronger action to get the legislation across the finish line.

“He’s gotta be a leader,” Trump said when asked about Thune. “He’s a leader, he’s gotta get the votes.”

Trump also argued that the voter ID legislation is one of the most popular proposals currently before Congress.

“It’s the most popular bill put before Congress,” the president said.

The push comes as Thune has cooled enthusiasm for a Trump backed strategy to revive the talking filibuster in order to force a vote on the SAVE America Act.

Under a talking filibuster system, Democrats attempting to block the bill would be required to continuously hold the Senate floor and speak in order to maintain their obstruction.

Thune told reporters this week that the Republican conference does not currently have the votes to change Senate rules to implement that strategy.

“The votes aren’t there, one, to nuke the filibuster, and the votes aren’t there for a talking filibuster,” Thune said. “I’m the person who has to deliver sometimes the not so good news that the math doesn’t add up, but those are the facts.”

A tally compiled by former White House Chief of Staff and North Carolina Congressman Mark Meadows shows that Senate Republicans remain divided over whether to pursue the talking filibuster strategy.

Several senators have signaled support for using the tactic to push the legislation forward, including Jim Banks, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Katie Britt, Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, Joni Ernst, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Dave McCormick, Ashley Moody, Bernie Moreno, Markwayne Mullin, Rand Paul, Jim Risch, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, Tim Scott, Tim Sheehy, Dan Sullivan, and Tommy Tuberville.

Senator Lisa Murkowski has been the only Republican to publicly oppose the SAVE America Act itself, while Senator John Curtis has said he does not support using the talking filibuster to pass it.

Other Republican senators have not yet stated their positions on the proposed rule change.

Some Republicans have warned that forcing a talking filibuster could allow Democrats to introduce a large number of amendments that might complicate or weaken the legislation.

Thune said similar proposals were considered when Democrats controlled the Senate but were ultimately rejected due to the procedural risks.

“I understand everybody feels strongly about this,” Thune said. “But this particular approach is much more complicated and risky than people are assuming.”

The SAVE America Act includes provisions requiring voter identification and proof of citizenship for federal elections.

The legislation also includes policies aimed at preventing biological males from competing in women’s sports and restricting gender related medical procedures for minors.

Trump has repeatedly argued that the bill is widely supported by voters and should be prioritized ahead of other legislation.

“It’s the most popular bill I think I’ve ever put before Congress,” the president said.

While all 50 Republican senators support the legislation itself, the party would need 60 votes to overcome a traditional Senate filibuster.

Democrats have remained unified in opposition, leaving the bill stalled unless Republicans find a procedural path to force a vote.

Some GOP lawmakers believe the talking filibuster could still succeed if Republicans continue pushing the issue.

Senator Mike Lee said voters across the country are demanding action on the bill.

“If we need a few more senators to get on board to beat a Democrat standing filibuster, that’s not a reason to give up,” Lee said. “It’s a reason to push even harder.”

Lee also warned that failing to fight for the legislation could weaken Republican credibility with voters ahead of future elections.