UMVA has learned that Senate Majority Leader John Thune has delivered a blunt assessment of the fate of the SAVE America Act, stating unequivocally that it is dead.
In remarks to reporters, Thune expressed frustration and resignation, acknowledging that he simply doesn’t have the votes to push the legislation through.
Thune’s candid admission comes as a reporter pressed him about the potential for criticism from President Trump, who has championed the SAVE America Act as a key legislative priority.
“Anyone who follows this process closely knows we don’t have the votes,” Thune said matter-of-factly, underscoring the significant hurdles facing the bill.
The SAVE America Act’s prospects were dealt a major blow last week when it failed to garner even 50 votes on the Senate floor, a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the chamber.
Thune emphasized that even if the bill were limited to just two contentious issues – photo ID and citizenship requirements for voting – it would still require 60 votes to pass, a threshold that seems insurmountable given the current Senate dynamics.
The only way to overcome this obstacle, Thune suggested, would be to abolish or fundamentally alter the legislative filibuster, a move that he acknowledged is not currently feasible.
“It’s an issue we all agree on,” Thune said wistfully, “but it’s not something that we’re gonna be able to get done absent having an election and electing some more Republicans.”
The setback for the White House was underscored by the defection of four Senate Republicans – Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and Mitch McConnell – who joined Democrats to block the SAVE America Act.
This unexpected rebellion dealt a significant blow to President Trump’s legislative agenda, highlighting the complex and often unpredictable nature of Senate politics.
