Republican Push for SAVE America Act Amid Democratic Opposition

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida expressed her belief on Fox News that the Senate could potentially pass the SAVE America Act, despite strong opposition from Democrats, if Republicans employ some lesser-known strategies.

During her appearance on “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo,” Luna, a prominent supporter of the election integrity bill in the House, urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring the bill to the floor “immediately.” She stated that the Republican majority shouldn’t hesitate to compel Democrats to engage in what she referred to as “talk filibuster” tactics. Some Republicans think this could enable them to pass the bill with just a simple majority instead of the typical 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

“I think America is voicing its desires quite clearly right now. They want voter ID,” Luna told Bartiromo. The SAVE Act, which passed the Republican-controlled House with only one Democratic vote, mandates a photo ID for voting and requires proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.

Luna reiterated, “Thune needs to act. We need to make this happen on the floor, and fast.”

She also praised Senator Susan Collins, who became the 50th member of Congress to endorse the bill, calling it significant in light of the often pivotal swing votes. Luna jokingly mentioned that she plans to send Collins 50 roses for Valentine’s Day, dubbing her “America’s Valentine.”

“Moving forward, Sen. Thune has every capability to bring a standing filibuster into play,” Luna added, using another term for a “talking filibuster.”

Luna mentioned her familiarity with Thune, noting his recent remarks to an NBC reporter where he suggested he might not have the time for such action. “This, I would argue, is perhaps the most crucial issue as we approach the midterms,” she stated, emphasizing that many senators believe if they don’t act now, Democrats will push for these changes once they regain power. She pointed out that Senate Democrats have made it apparent they seek mass amnesty and naturalization for illegal immigrants, suggesting they will move forward regardless of Republican action.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer conveyed to CNN that the Democratic caucus strongly opposes the SAVE Act, condemning it as “like Jim Crow 2.0.”

If Thune and the Republicans compel Democratic senators to filibuster the SAVE Act, it would necessitate lengthy speeches to block the bill, a process that could extend for weeks and slow down other legislative work. This contrasts with the typical “silent filibuster,” which effectively halts a bill when it fails to reach 60 votes.

Several conservative senators have voiced their support for pushing Democrats to engage in a talking filibuster. Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri remarked, “I’m a fan of the talking filibuster, especially as Democrats have become increasingly obstructionist.”

Senator Mike Lee of Utah has been particularly vocal about using this approach to pass the SAVE Act, expressing his support for proponents of the talking filibuster throughout February.

Luna concluded by saying, “The only way to ensure our country is safe for future generations is for Americans to trust the voting process and know they can hold their senators accountable at the ballot box.” She expressed her support for any senator backing voter ID initiatives.

She remarked that she believes Democratic Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, known for occasionally breaking with party lines, may ultimately vote in favor of the SAVE Act. While Fetterman has stated he opposes the bill, he has indicated uncertainty about fully supporting the Democrats’ staunch opposition to voter ID.

When pressed about the talking filibuster, Luna indicated that it historically represented the true essence of how filibusters operated before becoming what they are today. “The job in Congress is to debate ideas and vote,” she said. “This privilege should be embraced and used as it was intended.”

Luna emphasized that both Democrats and Republicans are aware that the American public desires bipartisan action on this issue. A survey from Pew Research Center found that 83% of Americans, including 71% of Democrats, support requiring all voters to show a government-issued photo ID to vote.