The 2 Paths Could Break The Filibuster For The SAVE Act

Описание: 🚨 The 2 Paths That Could Break The Filibuster For The SAVE Act

The SAVE America Act—requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo ID to vote—passed the House earlier this month and faces a tough road in the Senate. With Republicans holding a slim majority (53 seats), Democrats are expected to filibuster, meaning the bill needs a way around the usual 60-vote threshold to advance.

The transcript explains the two main procedural paths under current Senate rules:

Cloture: This is the most common method—invoking cloture ends debate and requires 60 votes. It was added to Senate rules in 1917. Once cloture passes, the bill moves to a final vote that only needs a simple majority (51 votes, including VP tiebreaker if needed). Without 60 votes for cloture (unlikely with unified Democratic opposition), the bill stalls without ever reaching a final vote. This is often called a "zombie" or "silent" filibuster because no actual speaking happens—just a failed vote.

Exhaustion / Talking Filibuster: The older, rarer way—opponents must physically hold the floor and speak continuously (or yield time strategically) until they run out of speeches or give up. Under Senate Rule XIX, senators are limited to two speeches per bill per legislative day, and debate ends automatically when exhausted. At that point, the bill goes to a simple majority vote. This is the classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" style filibuster—grueling and time-consuming.

Recent reports show pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to force a talking filibuster, with conservatives arguing it could let the bill pass with 51 votes by wearing down Democrats. Thune has said he supports bringing the SAVE Act to a vote and putting Democrats "on record," but he's skeptical about a talking filibuster—citing lack of GOP unity (not enough senators agree on the strategy) and risks to other priorities like DHS funding. As of late February 2026, he indicated there's no consensus in the Republican conference for forcing it, effectively stalling that path for now.

What do you think—should Thune push for a talking filibuster? 👇 #SAVEAct #Filibuster #Senate #JohnThune #VotingRights