Thune quashes Trump push to reform filibuster for SAVE Act
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The Bottom Line
Senate Majority Leader Thune says Republicans lack votes to reform the filibuster for the SAVE Act.
AI Summary
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Republican colleagues at a Tuesday lunch meeting that they lack the votes to pass the House-approved SAVE Act voting reform bill by forcing Democrats into a talking filibuster. Thune's assessment directly rejected President Trump's push for the procedural maneuver to advance the legislation.
What's Being Done
Senate Majority Leader Thune informed Republican colleagues that there are insufficient votes to pass a House-approved voting reform bill.
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Trump's Legislative Demands and Political Stances
President Donald Trump has publicly stated he will not sign any new legislation until Congress passes the SAVE Act, a voter integrity bill. This stance highlights his continued focus on election security and his influence on the Republican agenda, even as his administration faces other challenges.
President Trump's Legislative Demands and Political Stances
President Donald Trump has declared he will not sign any further legislation until Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This stance underscores his focus on voter integrity and reflects broader political tensions, including his dismissal of Iranian threats and his administration's impact on climate policy.
Trump's Demand for SAVE America Act and Legislative Standoff
President Donald Trump has declared he will not sign any new legislation until Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voting. This stance has created a legislative standoff, with calls for the bill to be prioritized.
Trump's Legislative Blockade and Voter ID Demands
President Donald Trump has declared he will not sign any legislation until Congress passes his proposed voter identification bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This ultimatum aims to pressure Congress into overhauling voting laws, despite concerns from Democrats and a focus on other critical issues.
Trump Administration's Push for SAVE America Act and 2020 Election Probe
President Trump is making the 'SAVE America Act' his top priority, linking its passage to signing other legislation and pressuring Republican senators. Concurrently, his administration has widened its probe into the 2020 election, subpoenaing records from Arizona.
Trump Administration's 2020 Election Probe and SAVE America Act Push
The Trump administration has expanded its investigation into the 2020 presidential election, obtaining records from Arizona, while President Trump pressures Republicans to pass the 'SAVE America Act,' a bill he claims will 'guarantee the midterms.'
Trump Administration's Domestic Policies and Political Maneuvers
The Trump administration is implementing and proposing various domestic policies, including restoring gun rights for felons, restarting Global Entry, and facing scrutiny over DHS policies. These actions are occurring amidst political maneuvering for upcoming elections.
Republican Primary Challenges and Special Elections
Republican primaries and special elections are seeing significant activity, including runoff races for a high-profile congressional seat and President Trump actively campaigning against incumbent Republicans. Democrats are also making gains in some special elections.
Republican Primary Battles and Endorsements
Several Republican primary races are heating up, with President Trump actively endorsing challengers to incumbent GOP figures like Rep. Thomas Massie. Runoff elections are also underway, particularly for the seat held by Marjorie Taylor Greene, indicating significant internal party dynamics.
US Political Landscape: Trump's Influence and Key Elections
The US political scene is heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump, who continues to endorse candidates and shape party dynamics. Key primary races and special elections are underway, revealing shifts in voter sentiment and ongoing debates within both major parties.
Trump's Political Influence and 2025 Agenda
Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party and national politics, actively campaigning against GOP opponents, pushing for legislative changes like the SAVE America Act, and shaping the narrative around the economy and ongoing conflicts. His administration's past actions, such as the Global Entry program restoration and DOJ policies, are also under scrutiny.
US Political Landscape and Elections
The US political landscape is marked by ongoing electoral contests, including special elections and primary races, and debates over election integrity and voting rights. Democrats have seen some successes in flipping seats, while Republicans are strategizing for future elections. Issues like redistricting, voter confidence, and the role of federal agencies in elections are prominent.
Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Policy
Former President Donald Trump is actively engaging in Republican primary races, notably campaigning against incumbent GOP Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky. He is also pushing for legislative changes like the SAVE America Act, though facing resistance from within his own party.
Trump Administration Policies and Political Maneuvering
The Trump administration is actively engaged in various policy initiatives and political battles. This includes efforts to influence elections, address economic concerns, and navigate internal party dynamics, while also facing scrutiny over actions related to immigration and AI technology.
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<p>President Trump's suggestion that Republicans attach the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/08/trump-wont-sign-bills-save-america-act" target="_blank">SAVE America Act</a> to the must-pass reauthorization of FISA is already complicating one of Congress' most contentious upcoming fights.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Reauthorizing <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/20/senate-reauthorizes-fisa-section-702" target="_blank">Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act</a> is always messy — and it's shaping up to be a major headache for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).</p><hr><ul><li>The House is expected to move first, with GOP leaders eyeing a vote during the upcoming work period so the Senate has time to move before FISA — which allows warrantless wiretapping of non-U.S. citizens overseas — lapses on April 20.</li><li>The House has just 12 session days before that deadline.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news: </strong>Trump <a href="https://www.axi...
PoliticsThune stands firm on SAVE America Act despite Trump pressure
Senate Majority Leader John Thune made clear that an elections bill known as the SAVE America Act faces an unlikely path to passage.
PoliticsThune says Senate to consider voting bill but pushes back on demands for ‘talking filibuster’ - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxNVmxTcmN5ZjdvU21wcE9YcmhpZURsRkVCNnNUYWF5MUdqQ25zQUVDODBZMk5aRTA1cVk3V1BNWDU4Zy00ZG1yV1gwRXNjWHNDT0ZuQUthSFJiaFNuQkVIYndNaDNYRko5Q3FWWnQ5bXFFTGk2YmwxeUdJSUoySDlzNGl5UmRKbERNMHNKaW5DNmRVTGpBNU5pVXFveTkxU3dqVzFaT3ppeEs3N1U?oc=5" target="_blank">Thune says Senate to consider voting bill but pushes back on demands for ‘talking filibuster’</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsRepublicans add to pressure on Senate majority leader after Trump voter ID bill call – US politics live
<p>Republicans join in with US president’s demand for John Thune to push through Save America act </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Democrat lawmakers have asked the Department of Justice to examine a potential conflict of interest in relation to attorney general Pam Bondi and matters involving her lawyer brother.</strong></p><p>California Democrats Adam Schiff Dave Min said they have been waiting since 16 December to hear whether the Justice Department properly implemented firewalls and screening procedures in relation to her brother Brad, <a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/democrats-seek-doj-probe-in...
PoliticsTrump says he won't sign bills until Congress overhauls voting
President Trump is pushing the Senate to abandon the filibuster and pass SAVE American Act, a bill top Democrat calls 'Jim Crow 2.0'
PoliticsHouse Republicans threaten to oppose Senate bills until SAVE America Act passes
House Republicans are threatening to oppose all Senate-passed legislation until the upper chamber advances the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, a GOP-backed voting requirements bill. “I’ll be voting ‘no’ on all Senate bills – other than DHS funding – until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act,” Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) wrote on…

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