Anna Paulina Luna sharply criticized Senate Republicans after a dispute over an election-related bill and the Senate’s use of the filibuster. Her comments came after John Thune, the Senate Republican leader, signaled he may not pursue changes to Senate procedures that some lawmakers believe could help pass the legislation. Thune also suggested that some online support for the bill was being amplified by “paid influencers,” which prompted pushback from supporters in the House.
The debate centers on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, often referred to as the SAVE Act. The measure has already passed the House of Representatives and includes provisions aimed at strengthening voter eligibility verification, such as requiring documentation to confirm U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue the bill is intended to reinforce confidence in election systems, while critics have raised concerns about how the requirements might affect voter registration processes.
Some lawmakers had discussed reviving a “talking filibuster,” an older Senate practice that would require senators who oppose a bill to hold the floor and debate continuously in order to delay a vote. Currently, most legislation must receive 60 votes in the Senate to move forward due to the chamber’s filibuster rules. Advocates of the talking filibuster say it could allow certain bills to advance with a simple majority after extended debate.
Luna said she and some House Republicans are exploring other legislative strategies if the Senate does not act on the bill. One idea she referenced involves attaching the measure to the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a law that authorizes certain intelligence-gathering activities related to national security and must be periodically reauthorized by Congress.
The proposal highlights ongoing disagreements within Congress about how election legislation should move forward.