Thune Warns Democrats to Back GOP Voting Bill or Face Midterm Attacks

Senate Majority Leader says Republicans will use SAVE Act against Democrats in fall elections if they don't support the legislation.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has warned that Republicans will attack Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections if they do not "get on board" with the SAVE America Act, a GOP-backed voting reform bill that is currently on the Senate floor. Thune says the legislation, which would require documented proof of citizenship and voter ID, is a "fairly simple" safeguard against election fraud that Democrats should support. However, Democrats have vowed to defeat the bill, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) calling it a "dagger to the heart of our democracy."

Why it matters

The SAVE America Act is part of a broader Republican push for new voting restrictions following the 2020 election, which former President Trump and many GOP lawmakers have falsely claimed was "stolen." Democrats argue these measures are attempts at voter suppression, particularly of minority and low-income voters. The outcome of the Senate debate over the bill could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election and beyond.

The details

The SAVE America Act would require voters to present documented proof of citizenship, such as passports or birth certificates, when registering to vote. It would also mandate that voters show ID when casting ballots. Thune says these provisions are "about safe and secure elections" and ensuring "the right people" are voting. However, Democrats have strongly opposed the bill, with Schumer vowing an "all-out push" to defeat it on the Senate floor. Getting the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster will be an uphill battle for Republicans, as no Democrats voted to proceed with the bill and one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), voted against it.

  • The SAVE America Act is currently on the Senate floor.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune made his comments in an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on March 18, 2026.

The players

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota who is warning Democrats to support the SAVE America Act or face attacks in the midterm elections.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senate Majority Leader from New York who has vowed an "all-out push" to defeat the SAVE America Act, calling it a "dagger to the heart of our democracy."

Lisa Murkowski

The Republican Senator from Alaska who voted against proceeding with the SAVE America Act.

Mitch McConnell

The Republican Senator from Kentucky who voted to proceed with the SAVE America Act as a courtesy to Thune but has privately expressed opposition to the legislation.

Thom Tillis

The Republican Senator from North Carolina who is retiring at the end of the year and has expressed opposition to the SAVE America Act, saying provisions to restrict mail-in voting need more work.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

“Nothing is more important than defeating this dagger to the heart of our democracy.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader

What’s next

The Senate will continue debating the SAVE America Act, with Democrats vowing to defeat the legislation. The outcome could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election.

The takeaway

The battle over the SAVE America Act highlights the deep partisan divide over voting rights and election integrity. Republicans argue the bill is a common-sense safeguard, while Democrats view it as voter suppression. The Senate's ability, or inability, to pass this legislation could shape the political landscape heading into the 2024 presidential race.