GOP senator warns gutting Senate filibuster to pass SAVE America Act is a 'foolish and lazy idea'

[Dulcinea]

(CNN) Sen. Thom Tillis on Thursday blasted talk of ending the Senate filibuster to pass the “SAVE America Act” as a “foolish and lazy idea” and warned his party that pushing the president’s priority through the so-called talking filibuster would hand control to Democrats.

“I have made it crystal clear that I will never vote to do this. Eliminating the filibuster is a foolish and lazy idea pushed by politicians seeking short-term gain at the expense of causing irreparable long-term harm to our nation,” Tillis said in a statement.

The retiring North Carolina Republican’s comments come as the Senate is locked in marathon debate over the legislation that is expected to extend into the weekend, though the bill is expected to fail in the end. One of President Donald Trump’s top legislative priorities, the bill would require voters to show ID and proof of US citizenship in federal elections, but it doesn’t have the support needed to pass.

Tillis has been vocal in his opposition to any attempt to try and force the bill through the Senate.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/19/politics/save-america-act-tillis-warning-filibuster