U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced on Mar. 12 that the Senate will hold a full debate next week on the SAVE America Act, a legislative package focused on voting requirements and other policies.
The announcement signals an upcoming discussion in Congress about voter identification laws and related measures. The bill is part of what Thune described as Republicans’ affordability agenda, following the completion of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
In remarks delivered from the Senate floor, Thune said, “At the core of the SAVE America Act is the requirement that individuals provide proof of citizenship to register to vote – and then show an ID when they go to the polls.” He added, “It would require Americans to demonstrate that they’re eligible to vote – and that they are who they say they are when they go to do so.”
Thune compared voter ID requirements with everyday situations where photo identification is needed, such as boarding a plane or obtaining a library card. He said, “I think we can all agree that if you have to show photo ID – and prove where you live – to get a library card, it’s not too much to ask voters to show ID to vote in federal elections.”
Citing polling data from August 2025, Thune stated that “Eighty-three percent of Americans – 83 percent – in an August 2025 poll supported requiring photo ID at the polls for all voters,” including majorities across political parties and demographic groups. He also addressed anticipated opposition from Senate Democrats, saying, “We’re expecting continued full-throated opposition to voter ID and the SAVE America Act from Senate Democrats – as well as more of the unforgiveable rhetoric that Democrats have already been engaging in.”
Thune indicated additional provisions in the bill would address participation in women’s sports by biological males and protections for minors regarding gender transition procedures. He concluded his remarks by stating, “Republicans are looking forward to this debate. And I look forward to saying much more about the SAVE America Act in the very near future.”
Thune represents South Dakota as a U.S. senator and serves as Senate Republican Whip with committee roles including Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Commerce, Science and Transportation according to his official website. His work includes community outreach, public events, support for veterans, advocacy for agriculture, energy policy initiatives, economic development efforts, casework assistance services for constituents according to his official website.
