Thune plans mock ‘talking filibuster’ to calm SAVE America Act uproar

Published March 12, 2026 12:53pm ET



Senate Republicans are planning a marathon debate on President Donald Trump’s marquee elections bill, a move designed to ease tensions with the MAGA Right after Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) ruled out a talking filibuster.

Thune’s staff has been gaming out days of floor debate that are likely to begin next Monday or Tuesday, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. Also involved are the White House legislative affairs office and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), the lead co-sponsor of the legislation, dubbed the SAVE America Act.

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