Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Says Senate Leader Thune No Longer Considering SAVE Act

WASHINGTON — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) stated that Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is no longer actively considering the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a key election integrity bill that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

Luna made the claim on April 20, 2026, following a two-week congressional recess, saying Thune has effectively shelved the legislation after earlier promising a Senate floor vote. “Just so you know, after two weeks of recess, Thune is no longer considering the SAVE America Act,” she posted, adding that the bill appears stalled under current Senate leadership.

The SAVE Act, passed by the House in 2025, aims to close what supporters call loopholes allowing noncitizens to register and vote in federal elections. It has strong backing from President Donald Trump and House conservatives as a top priority for restoring voter confidence.

Thune brought the bill to the Senate floor in mid-March 2026 for debate. However, it faced a Democratic filibuster and failed to advance without 60 votes. One Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), voted against proceeding. Thune has repeatedly stated he lacks the votes to overcome the filibuster or change Senate rules, describing himself as the “cleareyed realist” about what is achievable.

Conservative lawmakers and activists have expressed growing frustration with the lack of progress. Luna and other House Republicans have pushed for stronger action, including attaching the bill to must-pass legislation or forcing procedural changes.

Capitol Hill sources told outlets the SAVE Act remains pending Senate business and has not been formally abandoned, but Luna’s comments reflect mounting impatience among Republicans who view election security as non-negotiable ahead of the 2026 midterms.

For voters concerned about election integrity, the reported shift leaves the future of the SAVE Act uncertain under current Senate leadership, with calls increasing for alternative paths such as executive action or tying it to other priorities. Thune’s office has not issued a direct response to Luna’s latest statement.