Trending Now - Thune Challenges Trump's Voting Bill Demands in Senate Talks

WHO:

Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated, "We can’t find a piece of legislation in history that’s been passed that way," regarding the talking filibuster.

Sen. John Kennedy (Republican, Louisiana) remarked, "There’s been enough dithering. It’s time to go and let the chips fall where they may."

Sen. Roger Marshall (Republican, Kansas) suggested, "I think we just go ahead and try to get on the bill."

Sen. Ron Johnson (Republican, Wisconsin) indicated there should not be a "one and done vote."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated, "This process is more complicated and risky than people are assuming at the moment."

Trump told CNN’s Dana Bash, "I want the SAVE America Act. It is more important than everything else we’re working on, other than the war."

Senate Republican John Kennedy suggested that they should debate the bill on the floor for an extended time.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the SAVE America Act is "overwhelmingly popular with all Americans."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism about the bill's chances, stating, "There are no easy ways to do this."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Republican, South Dakota)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

Sen. Mike Lee (Republican, Utah)

Sen. John Kennedy (Republican, Louisiana)

Sen. Roger Marshall (Republican, Kansas)

Sen. Ron Johnson (Republican, Wisconsin)

House Speaker Mike Johnson

President Donald Trump

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Republican, South Dakota)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

Senate Republicans

Democrats

WHAT:

Trump stated, "I’m making a decision fairly shortly," regarding his endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn.

Trump emphasized, "We’re going for the gold, and we’re going to have to fight like hell," in relation to the SAVE America Act.

The SAVE America Act passed the House in February 2026.

Trump indicated he might withhold an endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn in his primary runoff with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton until the Senate passes the voting bill.

Trump stated, "I’m not going to sign anything until this is approved," regarding the SAVE America Act.

Trump claimed, "It’ll guarantee the midterms," emphasizing the importance of the legislation.

Trump stated, "I'm not going to sign anything until this is approved," referring to the SAVE America Act.

Trump emphasized that the SAVE America Act "supersedes everything else" and "must be done immediately."

Leavitt outlined five core provisions of the SAVE America Act, including requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and banning mail-in ballots.

Trump indicated he would add provisions to the SAVE America Act to ban mail-in ballots and restrict transgender rights.

Trump stated, "I would close the government over it," regarding the SAVE America Act.

Leavitt claimed that "Ninety percent of Americans, including more than 80% of Democrat voters, agree with" the voter ID requirements in the SAA.

Thune remarked, "The votes aren’t there, one, to nuke the filibuster, and the votes aren’t there for a talking filibuster."

Trump indicated he might withhold an endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn until the Senate passes the voting bill.

Trump said, "We’re going for the gold, and we’re going to have to fight like hell," emphasizing the importance of the legislation.

Trump is urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act (SAA).

The SAA includes provisions requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot.

The SAA aims to end universal mail-in ballots while maintaining exceptions for illness, disability, military service, and travel.

The SAA proposes to permanently ban biological males from competing in women’s sports and ban transgender surgery for minors.

More than 100,000 federal employees are currently without pay due to a funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Trump stated he would not sign any other legislation until the SAVE America Act is passed, except for funding the DHS.

Thune expressed skepticism about the bill's chances, stating, "There are no easy ways to do this."

Trump described the SAVE America Act as "one of the most critical pieces of legislation in our nation’s history."

WHERE:

Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

Thune made his comments about the bill's passage on March 10th, 2026.

Trump made his demands regarding the SAVE America Act on March 5th, 2026.

Trump made his comments about the SAVE America Act on March 6th, 2026, during a House Republicans' retreat at his golf club in Florida.

Trump made his demands regarding the SAVE America Act during a House Republicans' retreat on March 6th, 2026.

Trump made his comments about closing the government over the SAVE America Act on March 5th, 2026.

Thune made his comments about the bill's passage on March 10th, 2026.

The SAVE America Act was passed by the House in February 2026.

Trump made his demands regarding the SAVE America Act on March 5th, 2026.

Thune made his comments on March 10th, 2026.

WHY:

Trump believes that passing the SAVE America Act is essential for Republicans to win the 2026 midterm elections, stating, "If you don’t get it, big trouble."

Trump believes that passing the SAVE America Act is essential for Republicans to win the 2026 midterm elections, stating, "It'll guarantee the midterms."

Trump claims the SAVE America Act is necessary to ensure election integrity and prevent alleged corruption.

Trump claims the SAVE America Act is necessary to address alleged corruption and dishonesty in elections.

The push for the SAA is partly motivated by the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans are lagging behind Democrats in enthusiasm.

HOW:

Senate Republicans are discussing the possibility of moving the legislation through a "talking filibuster," which would require continuous speaking on the Senate floor.

Thune noted that the process of passing the bill through a talking filibuster would open the floor to endless amendments that could change the bill.

Senate Republicans are discussing the possibility of moving the legislation through a "talking filibuster," which would require continuous speaking on the Senate floor.

Thune noted that the process of passing the bill through a talking filibuster would open the floor to endless amendments that could change the bill.

Senate Republicans are discussing the possibility of moving the legislation through a "talking filibuster," which would require continuous speaking on the Senate floor.

Thune noted that the process of passing the bill through a talking filibuster would open the floor to endless amendments that could change the bill.

Senate Republicans are discussing the possibility of moving the legislation through the budget reconciliation process, which requires a simple majority vote.

Senate Republicans are considering a "talking filibuster" to advance the bill, which would require continuous speaking on the Senate floor.

Another option discussed is using the budget reconciliation process, which requires a simple majority vote, but faces challenges regarding the bill's provisions.

Thune noted that the votes are not present to "nuke the filibuster" or to support a talking filibuster.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 13:22 UTC)

Senate Republicans are currently debating the possibility of moving the SAVE America Act through a talking filibuster, which would allow for continuous speaking on the Senate floor and open the door to numerous amendments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed concerns about the unprecedented nature of this approach, while other senators like John Kennedy and Roger Marshall urged action on the bill without further delay. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated he will soon make a decision regarding his endorsement of Senator John Cornyn, emphasizing the importance of the SAVE America Act for the Republican Party's success in the upcoming midterm elections.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 11:10 UTC)

Today, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed concerns about the complexities and risks involved in the legislative process surrounding the SAVE America Act, which President Trump emphasized as critical, stating he won't endorse Senator John Cornyn until the bill is passed. During a recent retreat at his golf club in Florida, Trump insisted that the act is vital for securing Republican victories in the upcoming midterm elections, declaring, "If you don’t get it, big trouble." Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are considering a "talking filibuster" to advance the legislation, a move that Thune warned could lead to endless amendments and further complicate the process.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 07:18 UTC)

In a recent statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that the SAVE America Act is "overwhelmingly popular with all Americans," while Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed doubts about the bill's prospects, saying, "There are no easy ways to do this." During a House Republicans' retreat on March 6, Trump insisted he wouldn't sign anything until the SAVE America Act is approved, emphasizing that it "supersedes everything else" and must be done immediately, while also proposing additional provisions to ban mail-in ballots and restrict transgender rights. Senate Republicans are currently considering a "talking filibuster" to advance the legislation, a move that Thune warned could lead to endless amendments that might alter the bill significantly.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 05:21 UTC)

In a recent statement, Trump declared he would be willing to close the government over the SAVE America Act, which he believes is crucial for ensuring election integrity. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that a significant majority of Americans, including over 80% of Democrats, support the voter ID requirements outlined in the Act, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that there aren't enough votes to change the filibuster rules to advance the bill. As discussions continue among Senate Republicans about potentially using the budget reconciliation process to pass the legislation, Trump has indicated he may withhold his endorsement of Senator John Cornyn until the Senate takes action on this important issue.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 23:05 UTC)

In a significant push for election reform, President Trump is urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which aims to require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for casting ballots, while also proposing a ban on biological males competing in women's sports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism about the bill's chances, noting that there are no easy ways to advance it, especially with over 100,000 federal employees currently without pay due to a funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security. Trump has stated he will not sign any other legislation until the SAVE America Act is passed, highlighting its importance as a critical piece of legislation in addressing what he claims is corruption in elections.