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“If you are going to say that you’re Republican, and then if you’re going to turn around and complain that I’m bullying you in the house for wanting to pass the SAVE Act… then maybe you should consider getting a different job,” Luna declared.
The pressure campaign appears to have worked.
Sen. Mike Lee, who has been spearheading the Senate effort, announced a dramatic turn. He revealed that Thune reversed course and asked to be added as a co-sponsor.
“I just spoke with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who has asked me to add him as a cosponsor of the SAVE America Act. We’re now at 45. Baby steps to SAVE America,” Lee wrote.
That move triggered a rapid cascade.
Within days, Sens. Tim Scott, Roger Wicker, and Shelley Moore Capito signed onto the legislation. Momentum continued building when Sen. Dan Sullivan formally joined, bringing the total number of Senate co-sponsors to 49.
Lee celebrated the development, writing:
“Added Sen. Sullivan. We’re now at 49! He and I worked together with the House to make constructive changes to the SAVE America Act, and we’re now one step closer to the Senate passing the House bill. Baby steps to SAVE America.”
That number matters.
Republicans are now a single vote away from reaching 50 supporters. If they get there, Vice President JD Vance could cast the tie-breaking 51st vote, sending the bill directly to President Donald Trump for signature.
But the strategy goes beyond raw headcount.
According to Luna, Senate leadership is exploring a procedural shift that could dramatically alter the outcome. Rather than allowing the modern silent filibuster to block debate, lawmakers may revert to a traditional standing filibuster. Under that model, senators who oppose the measure would be required to physically hold the floor and speak in order to delay a vote.
Once debate concludes under that framework, the bill would only need 50 votes for passage, not 60.
Supporters argue that this restores accountability. If Democrats want to stop a citizenship requirement for voting, they would have to do it in full public view.
The remaining Republican holdouts are now under intense scrutiny. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Thom Tillis have not yet signed onto the bill.
Grassroots activists are urging voters to contact their offices.
Outside Washington, high-profile figures have also amplified the push. Elon Musk and Nicki Minaj have encouraged Americans to call their senators and demand action on the legislation.
For supporters, the stakes are simple. They argue that citizenship verification is common sense and foundational to public trust in elections. For opponents, the debate centers on access and federal authority.
Either way, the Senate is now on the brink.
One vote stands between the SAVE America Act and a potential trip to the Oval Office. Republicans must decide whether they will close ranks and deliver on a core campaign promise or allow the effort to stall at the finish line.
The clock is ticking, and all eyes are fixed on the final holdouts.
