Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) speaks with reporters outside his office, following delivering opening remarks on the Senate floor, at the U.S. Capitol on day three of a partial government shutdown in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 2, 2026. REUTERS/Al Drago
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has reportedly hit a frustration point and rejected the "talking filibuster" — signaling that President Donald Trump's SAVE America Act no longer has a path forward.
Thune has faced growing pressure from Trump, House and Senate conservative leaders and MAGA influencers to push the legislation forward using the maneuver, but as of Wednesday Thune has publicly said there is no way for Republicans to pass the GOP-backed bill requiring ID and proof of citizenship to vote, according to Punchbowl News. Multiple sources have also said that Thune has shared private frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Republicans who have continued to press the "talking filibuster."
"It’s yet another self-inflicted wound from a party that can’t seem to settle on a midterm message," Punchbowl News reported. "Republicans are tearing themselves apart over legislation that has captivated Trump’s base but has almost no chance of becoming law. It’s also threatening to sour cross-Capitol relations among top Republicans."
"Thune has long expressed skepticism of the 'talking filibuster' tactic, warning it would jam up the Senate floor for weeks or even months," according to Punchbowl News. "The procedure would allow Senate Democrats to force votes on some of the most politically treacherous issues facing vulnerable Republicans."
It's a risky move for Republicans just months away from the midterm elections.
"Republicans would need to stick together to kill every Democratic amendment, or risk allowing Democrats to hijack the Senate floor and derail the SAVE America Act," Punchbowl News reported.
Four GOP senators — Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) — have signaled they were not willing to support moving the process forward.
"Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) told us he’ll vote 'no' on the motion to proceed to the SAVE America Act absent a clear plan to pass it without nuking the legislative filibuster," according to Punchbowl News. "That means the first procedural vote — and several others throughout the potentially weeks-long process — would require perfect GOP attendance and a constant presence by Vice President JD Vance to break ties. One more 'no' vote and the process couldn’t even get off the ground."