Thune Schedules Senate Vote on SAVE Act Next Week
Trump has pushed hard for the measure, vowing on Truth Social March 8 not to sign other legislation until it passes in non-watered-down form.
WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced Sunday he will bring the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to a vote next week, responding to intense pressure from President Trump to secure the bill before midterms.
The SAVE Act requires documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, photo ID for voting, and limits on mail-in ballots except for military, illness, or disability cases. The House passed it in February 2026; Senate passage needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
Trump has pushed hard for the measure, vowing on Truth Social March 8 not to sign other legislation until it passes in non-watered-down form: "I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed, AND NOT THE WATERED DOWN VERSION – GO FOR THE GOLD: MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. & PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP." At Saturday’s Doral event he warned Republicans: "If you don't get it, big trouble, my opinion," and reiterated he would block unrelated bills for months if needed.
Thune’s move follows Trump’s repeated calls for election integrity reforms amid claims of noncitizen voting risks. Democrats argue it could suppress eligible voters lacking easy access to citizenship documents. The vote is set for next week.