Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) continues to express doubts about the “activist filibuster” strategy to advance the SAVE America Act. He suggests that it’s challenging to achieve a consensus among Republicans, complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Even after President Donald Trump urged action during last week’s State of the Union address, Thune remained hesitant about initiating a filibuster for the Voter ID Act, officially known as the Protecting American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) Act.
When asked by reporters if he would consider supporting an “interactive filibuster” that could lead to a vote, Thune responded, “Even if we take that route, it would be quite difficult to revert to open government.”
He emphasized the need for funding various agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and expressed concern that these organizations remain underfunded, while Democrats focus on restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“I’m hopeful there’s a solution out there… but it really will require some cooperation from the Democrats, which has been lacking,” Thune added.
He pointed out the complexities of pushing these initiatives through amid a filibuster, noting the absence of a united Republican front on the issue. “That’s just not happening,” he mentioned, illustrating that he would need unwavering support from 50 Republicans to counter Democratic amendments, “and we’re in support of that at this moment.”
Thune acknowledged to reporters that applying the 60-vote closure standard to the SAVE America Act was a significant and very real consideration.
He has consistently raised concerns about using the “talking filibuster” tactic, warning that it could potentially allow the minority party to force votes on their own legislative proposals.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) was reported recently as one of the Republicans who opposed a motion to advance the bill without a clear path that avoids invoking a filibuster.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), the sponsor of the SAVE America Act, has argued that merely bringing the bill to a vote isn’t sufficient, asserting that a filibuster is necessary for its passage.
