Collins Backs SAVE America Act, Upholds Filibuster
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, declared her support for the House-passed SAVE America Act on Friday, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining the Senate filibuster.
She noted that modifying the bill to necessitate photo ID at polling places—rather than proof of citizenship—was “key” to garnering broader support. Collins asserted that the filibuster is essential, cautioning that abolishing it would empower the Democratic majority to enact any legislation they desired.
“The law is clear in this country that only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections,” she explained. “Furthermore, just like the requirement to show ID when boarding a plane or checking into a hotel, requiring identification at voting sites is a simple reform that enhances election security and boosts public confidence in the results.”
On Wednesday, Collins refrained from revealing her voting intentions to the Daily Caller News Foundation, though the House passed the bill with a narrow margin of 218-213, aided by only one Democratic vote from Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar.
Collins expressed concerns over the bill’s language that demands proof of citizenship for every vote, not just at the point of registration.
The moderate senator has consistently straddled the line with her party, advocating for the preservation of the Senate’s rules that necessitate a 60-vote threshold for legislation. Some Republican colleagues, including Senator John Cornyn from Texas and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, have warned that Democrats may eliminate the filibuster if they gain control of the Senate.
However, the bill’s backer in the Senate, Republican Mike Lee from Utah, along with other lawmakers, are advocating for existing rules that would require a talking filibuster, where senators must actually engage in debate to stall legislation. This could lead to lengthy discussions, as there is no limit on speaking time.
The proposed bill remains a point of contention among Republicans. For instance, Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska indicated she does not intend to support the bill.
Looking ahead, Collins is preparing for a contentious primary election against the current Democratic Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, and a controversial Democratic challenger, Graham Platner.
