Senate begins marathon debate on SAVE America Act under pressure from Trump [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: March 17, 2026 / 4:04 PM EDT


Washington — The Senate voted Tuesday to begin a marathon debate session over the SAVE America Act, an elections bill that President Trump has been pressing Republicans in Congress to pass, despite its dim prospects in the upper chamber. For months, conservatives have rallied around the legislation, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, along with photo ID to cast a ballot.

And Mr. Trump upped the ante last week when he threatened not to sign most other bills until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, adding to growing calls for Republicans to maneuver around the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold. But Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been clear in recent weeks that Republicans don't have the votes to do so. Instead, he has promised a "full and robust debate" on the legislation this week, teeing up discussion on the Senate floor that could last a week or more.

In a 51 to 48 vote, the Senate advanced the measure Tuesday afternoon. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted with all Democrats against the move. Tuesday's vote begins what's expected to be a lengthy debate. Rather than moving to cut it off with a vote, Thune will allow senators to discuss the measure on the floor for as long as they want.

With 53 Republicans in the Senate, support from Democrats is needed to reach the 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. And since GOP leaders are opting against deploying the so-called "talking" filibuster — which would gum up the Senate floor for weeks and require near-unanimous support from the GOP conference — the bill has no chance of passing.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-debate-save-america-act-trump/