John Thune warns Democrats to get 'on board' or face GOP SAVE Act push in midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: Senate Majority Leader John Thune has signaled that Republicans plan to make the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act a key issue in upcoming fall elections.

The legislation, currently on the Senate floor, has sparked sharp partisan divisions. While Republicans frame it as essential for election security, Democrats have strongly opposed it.

John Thune pushes SAVE Act as election issue

Thune stated that Republicans will campaign against Democrats if they fail to support the SAVE America Act, emphasizing that the bill represents a “simple” and “popular” safeguard.

The legislation would require documented proof of citizenship, such as passports or birth certificates, when registering to vote, and would also mandate voter ID when casting ballots. 

In an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Wednesday, March 18, Thune rejected claims that the debate is merely political messaging.

Thune said, “I think that’s a fairly simple position and one Democrats ought to eventually get on board with. But if we don’t … obviously, it’s an issue we will be able to use, I think, in the fall elections.”

“It’s legislating. I mean, actually, if you look at the substance of the policy, this is about safe and secure elections in this country and making sure we have an election process that is actually the right people, not just the illegals who are in this country, have an opportunity to vote,” Thune further said.

However, the bill faces major procedural hurdles. It would require at least 8 Democratic votes to overcome the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold. No Democrat has yet supported a motion to proceed, and Republican Sen Lisa Murkowski voted against it.

Although Mitch McConnell voted to proceed as a courtesy to Thune, he has also privately expressed opposition. Sen Thom Tillis has also raised concerns, particularly about provisions restricting mail-in voting, saying they need further work.

Democratic opposition and Trump’s pressure campaign

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to defeat the legislation, calling it “a dagger to the heart of our democracy.” Democrats are expected to mount a unified effort to block the bill on the Senate floor.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on lawmakers to support the SAVE Act. He has urged Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster or find another way to pass the bill, though Thune has said he lacks the votes for such changes.

Trump also warned that he would withhold endorsements from any lawmakers who oppose the measure, stating that voting against it would lead to political consequences.

Trump further linked the legislation to electoral success, claiming its passage would “guarantee the midterms.” He asserted that voters are strongly demanding the SAVE Act and suggested that supporting it would help Republicans win future elections.

His endorsement in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton is also tied to their positions on the bill, with Paxton backing it and Cornyn supporting potential rule changes to ensure its passage.