As the saying goes, “Laws are like sausages — it’s better not to see them being made.”
That seems painfully true these days, because even though Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the Oval Office, they’ve so far been unable to pass some of their priority legislation, notably the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which would require citizens to produce ID to vote.
If I ever thought nuking the filibuster was a bad idea, my thoughts on that have certainly changed. In today’s polarized political environment, it seems like an antiquated tool that is mostly used to obstruct the will of the people. The Democrats will almost surely get rid of it when they get the chance, so what are Republicans waiting for? With Trump in office, we have a historic opportunity to right some of the wrongs thrust upon us by the progressive movement, but the window is short. It might be now or never, for all we know.
But sometimes, it’s not just the other side that stops progress in its tracks. Sometimes it’s “friendly” fire:
Four Republican senators often critical of President Donald Trump voted against instructing the chamber's rules committee to find a way to add SAVE America Act elements to the budget reconciliation package.
You can probably guess the names of the four GOP “nays,” because we’ve seen this movie before:
Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., broke with much of the GOP conference, opposing an amendment from Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., aimed at advancing key election integrity provisions backed by Trump, The Hill reported Thursday.
The proposed measure would have directed the Senate Rules Committee to craft legislation ensuring only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections, requiring voter identification, and limiting early voting — central components of the SAVE America Act, a top priority for Trump ahead of the midterms.
Sigh.
'Enough Excuses': Sen. Mike Lee Says Congress Must 'Nuke the Filibuster, Start Passing Bills'
The House narrowly passed the SAVE America Act in February, but it remains stalled in the Senate because Republicans don’t have the 60 votes necessary to pass it.
Kennedy said before the vote: “This amendment would instruct our Rules Committee to come up with an elections bill. It’s my version of the SAVE America Act, but you can call it what you want.” It failed by a vote of 48-50, with all Democrats predictably voting "nyet."
It’s amazing that proving who you are is so “controversial,” when you have to provide ID to do almost anything in American life.
Republicans lose, because they don’t want to win. Arguing with Democrats is like appeasing a drunk. No matter what you say or do, they always have an answer.
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) April 22, 2026
And when you finally put your foot down, they cover their ears and scream like a toddler. https://t.co/ONk4ikzOwS
Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott agrees, and shows you why:
This is what an invasion looks like.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 23, 2026
This was all by design.
This is why Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to keep ICE and CBP defunded.
THIS is why we need to stop making excuses, BLOW UP THE FILIBUSTER and pass the SAVE America Act NOW! https://t.co/lpA7voI9mA
The country is in oh-so-much better a place than it was when former President Joe Biden was in office. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, however, and the GOP needs to take advantage of it. The calculus could radically change in November if the Dems take back either the House or the Senate (or both), and then we can kiss goodbye to any dreams of meaningful legislation being passed.
The time is now.
Editor’s Note: Republicans are fighting for election integrity by requiring proper identification to vote.
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