Sen. Mike Lee: We're Going To Make Senators Who Want TO Filibuster "SAVE Act" Actually Speak Until They Are No Longer Able
RealClearPolitics
by Sen. Mike Lee, FOX NewsFebruary 23, 2026
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Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee has proposed modifying Senate rules to enforce a "talking filibuster" for the SAVE America Act, requiring senators to speak on the floor until they can no longer continue. This bill mandates voter ID and citizenship verification for registration, with broad public support as 85-90% of Americans agree. Lee argues that the filibuster should not allow senators to avoid speaking by sleeping or attending events like the Munich Security Conference. The Senate's ability to proceed is currently delayed due to a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and ongoing ICE policy disputes.
The SAVE Act simplifies voter registration by allowing traditional forms such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports, while offering flexibility through sworn affidavits for those without documentation. Lee emphasizes that this process ensures election integrity without unduly burdening citizens. Despite some Democrats supporting ID requirements, debates over citizenship verification methods and potential voter suppression remain contentious.
The bill's timing is complicated by the ongoing DHS shutdown, which has forced senators to focus on funding homeland security before addressing voting reforms. Lee remains committed to pushing the legislation forward, working with Senate Majority Leader John Thune as a co-sponsor. The proposal highlights broader tensions over election policies and their impact on voter access and confidence. This issue is crucial in shaping U.S. elections' future, balancing security measures with accessibility concerns for all eligible voters.
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/23/2026