Story perspectives

GOP admits filibuster blocks SAVE Act, eyes $95B reconciliation

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Leader John Thune said Republicans lack votes to overcome the filibuster on the SAVE America Act.
The House passed the SAVE America Act on Feb. 11, 2026 by a 218-213 vote, adding a photo-ID requirement.
Republican leaders are drafting a $95 billion reconciliation package to fund state grants because it bypasses the filibuster.
Senators Thom Tillis and GOP members say over 10,000 entities must change procedures, making implementation before Nov. 2026 midterms impossible.

History

Historical Context

President Gerald Ford signed the 1974 Congressional Budget Act, creating a reconciliation process that lets the Senate pass bills with a simple majority—51 votes or the 71-28 vote that approved the 1975 budget resolution. Since its 1980 debut and the 1990 Byrd Rule, reconciliation has driven major legislation; today Senate Leader John Thune cites it as House Republicans push a $95 billion SAVE America package.

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Story summary

Senate Leader John Thune said Republicans lack votes to overcome the filibuster on the SAVE America Act.
The House passed the SAVE America Act on Feb. 11, 2026 by a 218-213 vote, adding a photo-ID requirement.
Republican leaders are drafting a $95 billion reconciliation package to fund state grants because it bypasses the filibuster.
Senators Thom Tillis and GOP members say over 10,000 entities must change procedures, making implementation before Nov. 2026 midterms impossible.

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