Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has voiced concerns that the GOP-controlled Senate lacks sufficient votes to utilize a talking filibuster. This traditional method would require opposing senators to continuously speak to prevent legislation from passing, effectively signaling trouble for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act.
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Thune remarked, “We don’t even have 51 votes for that,” when questioned about advancing this crucial election integrity initiative. Former President Trump has pledged to support primary challenges against any Senators who stand against the proposal or the filibuster needed to get it through.
Thune further cast doubt on the practicality of a talking filibuster, mentioning that it’s rare in modern times for legislation to succeed with this approach. “People don’t like to hear this,” he said, alluding to its declining usage.
A talking filibuster entails significant endurance, as one or more senators must maintain the floor without yielding, contrasting sharply with the contemporary “zombie filibuster.” In this recent method, senators can simply register an opposition, requiring a cloture motion to end debate, which in turn demands a supermajority of 60 votes.
The move toward the zombie filibuster became prevalent after the 1970s Senate rule changes that relaxed the cloture invocation process without requiring prolonged debate on the floor.
Advocates of a talking filibuster argue it could force the minority party to engage actively, enabling the majority to maintain control and potentially advance legislation with just 51 votes if the minority cannot sustain the effort. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has been an ardent supporter, emphasizing the two-speech limit in the chamber.
🚨 JUST IN: Senate Leader John Thune says NO, he does NOT have the votes for a talking filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act — the only way without 60
“We don’t even have 51 votes for that.” pic.twitter.com/jeRqP11YRT
“People don’t like to hear this…the talking filibuster,…
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 17, 2026
As of this report, the Senate is debating the SAVE America Act, a measure passed by the House earlier in 2026, which mandates that individuals must provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and present identification at polling locations.
Senate Republicans kicked off the process with a motion to proceed, which advanced mostly along party lines. Thune pointed out that the Senate will engage in an extended open debate, lasting possibly days or weeks, for senators to discuss the bill’s provisions and clarify their positions.
However, without the success of a talking filibuster, the future of the legislation appears grim.
