>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
That package immediately hit resistance inside the GOP ranks. Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis—joined Democrats in opposing the amendment. Their votes blocked the measure from even reaching the 50-vote threshold needed to trigger a talking filibuster strategy.
A second push, led by Mike Lee of Utah, shifted the dynamic in a more favorable direction for conservatives. In a notable reversal, Collins switched her position and backed the original SAVE America Act language. That change pushed the amendment to 50 votes—just short of passage but close enough for supporters to argue the outcome would have been different under alternative Senate rules.
With Vice President JD Vance available to break a tie, Republican backers contended the bill would have cleared the chamber if not for the existing filibuster structure.
Lee highlighted the result as the vote-a-rama continued, posting on X:
“That means that but for the Zombie Filibuster, the House-passed SAVE America Act would now be on its way to the White House for President Trump’s signature,” Lee said.
For conservatives, the vote represented the strongest showing yet for a bill that has repeatedly stalled in the upper chamber despite sustained pressure from Trump allies and election integrity advocates. The legislation has lingered for months, unable to break through procedural barriers or unified Democratic opposition.
Some Senate Republicans, including Lee, have urged Majority Leader John Thune to force Democrats into a talking filibuster scenario, which they argue could eventually allow the measure to pass with a simple majority. However, Thune has resisted that strategy, warning that it could open the door to an endless stream of amendments aimed at reshaping the legislation or derailing broader elements of Trump-aligned policy priorities.
The SAVE America Act has already seen extended floor debate in previous sessions, including a high-profile push in March, but momentum faded after procedural fights and competing legislative priorities took center stage.
Another option frequently discussed among conservatives is eliminating the legislative filibuster entirely. Donald Trump has publicly floated that idea at various points, arguing that Senate rules are blocking urgently needed reforms. Still, Republican senators remain divided, with many warning that removing the filibuster could backfire if Democrats regain control of the chamber.
Adding further tension to the debate, Trump has also criticized Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she ruled that the SAVE America Act could not be included under reconciliation rules requiring a simple majority vote. Trump has repeatedly urged Republican leadership to remove her from the position.
“We have every right to change her, and should do so, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump said on Truth Social. “As long as she’s there, we will never get our desperately needed, SAVE AMERICA ACT, approved, and put into full force and effect!”
Senate Majority Leader Thune, however, has shown little interest in pursuing that course of action.
“That’s not a new request, as you all know, and as is typically the case, the parliamentarian, the rulings break both ways,” Thune said. “And, you know, we lose a few, we win a few, but that’s been true when Democrats have been in the majority, too.”
For now, the late-night vote provided something Republicans backing the SAVE America Act have not had in months: measurable signs of renewed momentum in a chamber where the bill’s future has long appeared uncertain.
