Senate Republicans Split Over SAVE America Act Voter ID Bill

During a Senate vote-a-rama to advance a $70 billion immigration enforcement package, Republicans made two unsuccessful attempts to attach the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. The legislation, which requires photo ID and documentary proof of citizenship for federal election registration, remains stalled by the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

Susan Collins flipped her vote to support a clean amendment of the act introduced by Senator Mike Lee, allowing the proposal to reach 50 votes. However, Collins and three other Republicans—Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis—voted against a modified version introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham that bundled the act with policies barring men from women's sports.

President Donald Trump has pressured Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass the legislation. Despite this pressure and calls from conservatives to launch a talking filibuster, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has resisted, citing insufficient GOP support and concerns that the caucus would not remain united against Democratic amendments.