Susan Collins Backs SAVE America Act While Upholding Senate Filibuster

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has publicly endorsed the House-passed SAVE America Act, which mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voting in federal elections. Collins describes the revised bill as a balanced approach that enhances election security while maintaining voter access. She emphasized that the legislation is a "simple reform" aimed at bolstering public confidence in electoral integrity. The bill, which passed the House with a vote of 218-213, requires voters to provide identification at polling places, akin to requirements for air travel or purchasing alcohol. Importantly, the revised version of the bill no longer requires voters to prove their citizenship each time they cast a ballot, a change that was crucial for Collins' support.

NewsweekEXCLUSIVE: Susan Collins Backs SAVE AMERICA ACT — But Won’t Break FilibusterSusan Collins Supports SAVE AMERICA ACT, Opposes Filibuster ChangeSusan Collins Supports Save America Act, Maintains Filibuster StanceBangor Daily NewsWGME - CBS 13

Despite her backing of the SAVE America Act, Collins has firmly opposed any attempts to eliminate the Senate's legislative filibuster, which requires 60 votes to advance most major legislation. She argues that the filibuster serves as a vital protection for minority party rights and encourages bipartisan cooperation. Collins expressed concern that abolishing the filibuster could lead to unchecked legislative actions by a future Democratic majority, potentially allowing contentious measures such as DC statehood or changes to the Supreme Court to pass with a simple majority.

Susan Collins Supports SAVE AMERICA ACT, Opposes Filibuster ChangeEXCLUSIVE: Susan Collins Backs SAVE AMERICA ACT — But Won’t Break FilibusterWGME - CBS 13Susan Collins Supports Save America Act, Maintains Filibuster StanceNewsweekBangor Daily News

Collins' support for the SAVE America Act has drawn criticism from her Democratic opponents, including Maine Governor Janet Mills and oyster farmer Graham Platner. Mills accused Collins of prioritizing voter suppression over the rights of eligible voters, stating, "Unlike Susan Collins, who apparently would rather silence Maine people instead of listening to them, I’ll fight like hell to protect the right to vote for every eligible voter." Critics argue that the bill could disenfranchise millions, as the liberal Brennan Center for Justice estimates that 21 million Americans lack access to the necessary documents to prove citizenship.

Bangor Daily NewsNewsweekSusan Collins Supports SAVE AMERICA ACT, Opposes Filibuster ChangeEXCLUSIVE: Susan Collins Backs SAVE AMERICA ACT — But Won’t Break FilibusterSusan Collins Supports Save America Act, Maintains Filibuster StanceWGME - CBS 13

The implications of Collins' endorsement of the SAVE America Act and her stance on the filibuster extend beyond the Senate floor. Observers anticipate increased negotiations among Senate leaders regarding potential amendments to the bill to garner bipartisan support. Additionally, grassroots movements from both conservative and progressive organizations are expected to mobilize in response to this legislative shift. Legal challenges may also arise, as civil rights groups are likely to contest the constitutionality of the citizenship proof requirements.

Susan Collins Supports Save America Act, Maintains Filibuster StanceSusan Collins Supports SAVE AMERICA ACT, Opposes Filibuster ChangeEXCLUSIVE: Susan Collins Backs SAVE AMERICA ACT — But Won’t Break FilibusterBangor Daily NewsWGME - CBS 13

• “I support the version of the SAVE America Act that recently passed the House. The law is clear that in this country only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. In addition, having people provide an ID at the polls, just as they have to do before boarding an airplane, checking into a hotel, or buying an alcoholic beverage, is a simple reform that will improve the security of our federal elections and will help give people more confidence in the results. I opposed a previous version of this bill that would have required people to prove their citizenship every single time they cast a ballot. Requiring voters to produce passports or birth certificates on election day—as opposed to just a state-issued ID—would have placed an unnecessary burden on the voters. That provision is no longer in the bill and dropping this requirement was key to getting my support,” — Susan Collins, U.S. Senator

Newsweek

• “The filibuster is an important protection for the rights of the minority party that requires senators to work together in the best interest of the country.” — Susan Collins, U.S. Senator

Bangor Daily News

• “Requiring voters to produce passports or birth certificates on election day—as opposed to just a state-issued ID—would have placed an unnecessary burden on the voters.” — Susan Collins, U.S. Senator

Newsweek

In summary, Collins' dual approach of supporting the SAVE America Act while defending the filibuster reflects her strategic positioning within a polarized Senate and highlights the ongoing debate over voting rights in the United States.

Susan Collins Supports SAVE AMERICA ACT, Opposes Filibuster Change