Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the chamber would consider a controversial election bill that imposes strict requirements for proof of citizenship, but acknowledged that Republicans do not have enough support to pass it through the process that Donald Trump is seeking.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Thune said the Senate doesn’t have the numbers to sustain a marathon speaking engagement that would require Democrats to keep talking to block legislation.
“That’s just a function of the math,” Thune said. “For better or for worse, I’m the one who has to be a clear realist about what we can achieve here.
The bill — known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act — would require stricter proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.
The bill faces unified Democratic opposition
The legislation faces strong opposition from Democrats in the United States Senate, meaning Republicans would need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Republicans currently only hold 53 seats.
Trump has aggressively pushed the bill and warned he would refuse to sign further legislation until it passes.
“It will guarantee the midterms,” Trump told House Republicans during a retreat at his golf club in Florida. “If you don’t get it, big deal.
Democrats say the proposal could disenfranchise millions of voters who don’t have easy access to documents like birth certificates, even though federal law already requires voters in national elections to be U.S. citizens.
Republicans can continue with standard voting
Unable to secure the votes needed to change Senate rules or implement the talking pirate, Republican senators are debating bringing the bill through normal procedures as early as next week — a move that would likely lead to its defeat.
Thune said Republicans still intend to force a vote to get Democrats on the record.
Republicans will “fight the floor” and force Democrats to vote on “whether they think non-citizens should vote in American elections,” he said.
Several GOP senators have indicated they are ready to proceed even if the bill cannot pass immediately.
“There’s been enough hesitation,” said Senator John Kennedy. “Time to go and let the chips fall where they may.
Some Republicans are pushing for tougher procedural tactics
A group of conservatives is urging the party to continue the talking-head strategy championed by Trump.
Senator Mike Lee argued that the Senate should still try to pass the bill.
“While passage is not guaranteed, we can be sure that failure will result if we don’t try,” Lee wrote on X.
Others prefer an extended debate without changing Senate rules.
“I think we’re just going to go ahead and try to get the bill,” Sen. Roger Marshall said.
Sen. Ron Johnson also suggested that lawmakers debate the measure for a longer period of time rather than holding a quick vote.
“Our base would be clamoring for that, and that wouldn’t be smart,” Johnson said.
Trump is pushing a broader agenda
Trump also proposed expanding the legislation to include other priorities, including a ban on mail-in ballots and measures related to transgender rights, such as restricting participation in women’s sports and restricting gender-affirming surgeries for minors.
“Let’s go for the gold,” Trump told House Republicans.
House Republicans emphasize different priorities
House Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, insisted the party would remain aligned with Trump, but emphasized other priorities such as spending cuts and tax cuts.
“We’re all on the same page,” Johnson said. “The president and I are right on the mark.
However, the internal debate underscores growing tensions within the GOP as lawmakers struggle to balance Trump’s demands with legislative realities ahead of the midterm elections.
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