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For weeks, Republicans have been working to determine the best way to navigate the Senate’s complex rules, particularly the chamber’s filibuster process. The question of how to structure debate has been one of the biggest hurdles in getting the bill to the floor.
Lee acknowledged that lawmakers had been weighing multiple procedural routes, which created uncertainty about how exactly the legislation might advance.
“There’s been some uncertainty about exactly what procedure we will and will not be using,” Lee said. “In the end, we’ve been working closely with Leader Thune and his staff, and they’ve been great to work with,” Lee said.
One proposal gaining traction is what Lee described as a hybrid version of the so-called talking filibuster. Unlike the modern Senate practice, where lawmakers can block legislation without continuously holding the floor, this approach would require opponents to actively debate the bill for extended periods of time if they want to stall it.
Lee emphasized that the specific terminology surrounding the procedure matters less than how the system ultimately functions.
“What we’re coming up with is something that I think is best described as a hybrid version of the talking filibuster,” Lee said. “But look, let’s not get mired down in nomenclature. What matters far more than what we call it is what we do with it,” Lee said.
Under the emerging plan, the SAVE America Act would remain on the Senate floor for an extended period before any attempt is made to end debate through a cloture vote. Supporters argue that keeping the bill front and center would force senators to publicly defend their positions on election integrity.
Lee explained that the goal is to ensure the legislation receives a full and transparent debate before the Senate attempts to close discussion and move toward a final vote.
“We’re going to bring it to the floor. We’re going to debate it for an extended period of time before filing cloture,” Lee said. “This bill needs to remain on the Senate floor before we file cloture for as long as it takes to get it done,” Lee said.
The Utah senator also praised Thune and his staff for working with him and other Republicans to find a viable path forward. According to Lee, leadership’s willingness to explore alternative procedures has been a key factor in breaking through the gridlock that had stalled the bill.
“The fact that Leader Thune and his office have been willing to work with us on this is a good thing,” Lee said. “They appear open to a variation of that, and that’s encouraging,” Lee said.
Supporters of the legislation are now urging voters to keep pressure on Senate leadership to ensure the bill receives floor time. Lee made it clear that public engagement could play a decisive role in determining whether the legislation ultimately moves forward.
“So let’s keep up the momentum,” Lee said. “Let’s put the bill on the floor and make those who want to filibuster speak, and keep it there as long as possible,” Lee said.
If the Senate does take up the SAVE America Act, it would likely ignite one of the most consequential election law debates in recent years. With Republicans framing the measure as a critical step toward protecting voter eligibility and election integrity, the coming weeks could determine whether the proposal becomes a defining legislative battle in Washington.
