The ‘talking filibuster,’ explained

Published March 11, 2026 2:02pm ET



Senate Republicans have for weeks been debating the use of the “talking filibuster” to guarantee the passage of the SAVE America Act in the upper chamber, after President Donald Trump called the legislation his “No. 1” priority.

The bill, which would require proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote in federal elections, was passed by the House in February by a 218-213 margin, with Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) being the only Democrat to vote for the proposed legislation. The SAVE America Act has stalled in the Senate, where pundits initially considered the bill doomed due to needing 60 votes to override the filibuster and strong Democratic opposition.

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