A fierce clash is brewing within the Republican party over election integrity, as Representative Anna Paulina Luna publicly condemned Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s reluctance to advance the SAVE Act. The bill, which sailed through the House with unanimous GOP support, aims to secure federal elections by mandating proof of citizenship for voters.
Thune recently signaled a lack of enthusiasm for even debating the measure, reportedly dismissing the possibility of a standing filibuster – a procedural move that would lower the threshold for passage. He bluntly stated there weren’t enough votes to change the Senate’s rules, effectively declaring the plan “doesn’t have a future.”
Luna didn’t mince words, labeling Thune’s position “very disturbing” and accusing him of aligning with Democratic leadership on the issue. She pointedly noted his apparent agreement with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to block a vote on the floor, a move she sees as a betrayal of Republican principles.
The core of Luna’s frustration stems from what she perceives as a disconnect between Thune’s actions and the will of the voters. She accused him of benefiting from the support of former President Trump while simultaneously undermining a common-sense measure overwhelmingly favored by the American public – secure and verifiable elections.
“If you’re going to depend on President Trump’s coattails to get elected,” Luna challenged, “and then complain about being held accountable for supporting voter ID, maybe you should consider getting a different job.” Her remarks underscore a growing tension between establishment Republicans and a more populist base demanding action on election security.
During a pointed exchange, Luna emphasized the bipartisan appeal of voter ID laws, comparing it to other widely supported reforms like banning insider trading. She questioned the logic of avoiding a debate on a measure that enjoys broad public support, suggesting a deliberate attempt to stifle progress.
The SAVE Act’s passage in the House was a clear signal of the Republican party’s commitment to election integrity. Lawmakers are now pushing for the Senate to invoke a standing filibuster, requiring only 50 votes for passage instead of the traditional 60. Even a single Democrat, Representative Henry Cuellar, broke ranks to support the bill, highlighting its potential for cross-party appeal.
Luna’s forceful criticism of Thune represents a broader struggle within the Republican party – a battle between those willing to challenge the status quo and those hesitant to disrupt established Senate procedures. The coming days will reveal whether Thune will yield to pressure and allow a vote on the SAVE Act, or continue to resist a measure that could fundamentally reshape federal elections.
