Senate Leader Thune Rejects Filibuster Change for Voter-ID Bill

Republican leader says there are not enough votes to amend the Senate's filibuster rule.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has rejected calls from President Donald Trump and his allies to change the Senate's filibuster rule in order to speed the passage of the SAVE America Act, a controversial voter-identification bill. Thune stated that there are not enough votes in the Senate to "nuke the filibuster" and allow the bill to advance with a simple majority, despite pressure from the bill's proponents.

Why it matters

The SAVE America Act would impose new voter ID requirements that critics say could disenfranchise millions of Americans. The fate of the bill hinges on the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to advance most legislation. Thune's rejection of changing the filibuster makes it highly unlikely the bill will pass the Senate in its current form.

The details

The SAVE America Act, introduced in January, would require voters to prove their citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and would mandate certain forms of photo ID to cast a ballot. The bill is expected to pass the Republican-controlled House but faces strong opposition from Democrats in the Senate, who have vowed to use the filibuster to block it. Proponents of the voter-ID legislation have called for changes to the Senate's filibuster rule, which currently requires 60 votes to advance most bills. However, Thune stated that there are not enough votes among Senate Republicans to eliminate or weaken the filibuster, dealing a major blow to the bill's chances.

  • The SAVE America Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress in January 2026.
  • The bill is expected to receive a vote in the House of Representatives this week.

The players

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota who rejected calls to change the Senate filibuster rule to advance the SAVE America Act.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who has been pushing for changes to the Senate filibuster in order to pass the SAVE America Act and other Republican priorities.

SAVE America Act

A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress in January 2026 that would impose new voter ID requirements for federal elections, which critics say could disenfranchise millions of Americans.

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What they’re saying

“There aren't anywhere close to the votes, not even close, to nuking the filibuster. So that idea is something, although it continues to be put out there... That doesn't have a future.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (CNBC)

What’s next

The SAVE America Act is expected to receive a vote in the House of Representatives this week, but its fate in the Senate remains uncertain given Thune's rejection of changing the filibuster rule.

The takeaway

This development highlights the ongoing partisan battle over voting rights and election integrity, with Republicans pushing for stricter voter ID laws and Democrats resisting changes they say could disenfranchise vulnerable voters. The fate of the SAVE America Act now rests on whether Senate Democrats can maintain their opposition to weakening the filibuster.