Senate begins marathon debate on SAVE America Act under pressure from Trump

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: March 17, 2026 / 4:04 PM EDT


Washington — The Senate voted Tuesday to begin a marathon debate session over the SAVE America Act, an elections bill that President Trump has been pressing Republicans in Congress to pass, despite its dim prospects in the upper chamber. For months, conservatives have rallied around the legislation, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, along with photo ID to cast a ballot.

And Mr. Trump upped the ante last week when he threatened not to sign most other bills until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, adding to growing calls for Republicans to maneuver around the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold. But Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been clear in recent weeks that Republicans don't have the votes to do so. Instead, he has promised a "full and robust debate" on the legislation this week, teeing up discussion on the Senate floor that could last a week or more.

In a 51 to 48 vote, the Senate advanced the measure Tuesday afternoon. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted with all Democrats against the move. Tuesday's vote begins what's expected to be a lengthy debate. Rather than moving to cut it off with a vote, Thune will allow senators to discuss the measure on the floor for as long as they want.

With 53 Republicans in the Senate, support from Democrats is needed to reach the 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. And since GOP leaders are opting against deploying the so-called "talking" filibuster — which would gum up the Senate floor for weeks and require near-unanimous support from the GOP conference — the bill has no chance of passing.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-debate-save-america-act-trump/

[pat_k]

1. The "marathon" is not likely to placate the felon. AFAIK, the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

Last I heard:

They will NOT reach 60 votes for cloture.

They do NOT have the 50 votes needed to implement a "talking filibuster"

They do NOT have the 50 votes needed to nuke the filibuster completely.

So this show is just that: a show. Lots of trumpublican speeches declaring their undying devotion to a criminal madman (tears in their eyes). Days of "debate" ahead of a vote for cloture that will fail.

[ChicagoTeamster]

2. Because they have to put on a show for their constituents for the midterms. But that could backfire.

A lot of Republican women voters will be disenfranchised and even the if it doesn't pass. If a Republican is seen as being in favor of this and they've also been in favor of abortion bans etc. They might be out in November.

[pat_k]

5. I was thinking something along the same lines ..

-- that within these "marathon speeches" there will undoubtedly be asinine statements that could be juxtaposed with effective statements on the actual effects -- i.e., fodder for commercials.

[dalton99a]

3. They'd line up to lick his shoes if ordered

[underpants]

4. I think Thune* is doing everything he softly can do to kill this

* with McConnell’s assistance. Mitch still has pull.

I don’t know (but should) the legal aspects if this but it seems like the Feds stepping on …um….STATES RIGHTS!!

The impact will most likely affect Republican women more than Dems and they know it while it’s the rallying cry on RW media and with Trump…who is, to paint the full picture, a complete moron.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. "The impact will most likely affect Republican women more than Dems"

The GOP wants "their women" (property) completely obedient. That was the gist of some of the ads that ran during the 2024 election including the Julia Roberts-narrated one -

[Zorro]

7. Just performance art for the asshole in the White House

Senate Republican monkeys all dancing to the sound of Trump's droning hurdy-gurdy.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

8. Pretty much what I was going to say

Except I was going call Trump the orange slob. Asshole is more terse.