By SUZANNE DOWNING
Sen. Susan Collins just gave Senate Republicans the final vote they needed to move the SAVE Act one step closer to passage — a sharp shift for the Maine Republican known for positioning herself as a swing vote on election policy.
Collins confirmed late Friday afternoon that she will sign on as a co-sponsor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, providing Republicans with 50 votes in the Senate. With Vice President JD Vance available to cast the tie-breaking 51st vote, GOP leaders now have the numbers required to approve the measure on a party-line basis.
The development highlights a growing divide within the Republican caucus, as Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski continues to oppose the bill, arguing it represents federal overreach into state-run elections.
The SAVE Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and is a major priority for President Donald Trump and conservatives who say tighter controls are needed to prevent noncitizen voting and strengthen election integrity.
Supporters frame the bill as common-sense security. Critics warn it could create barriers for eligible voters who do not have easy access to passports, birth certificates, or updated documentation.
Alaska’s congressional delegation is divided on the legislation.
Sen. Dan Sullivan is listed as a co-sponsor in the Senate, backing the bill as part of broader Republican efforts to tighten election rules nationwide. In the House, freshman Rep. Nick Begich has also signed on as a co-sponsor.
Murkowski, however, has publicly pushed back, saying Washington should not impose one-size-fits-all election mandates on states like Alaska.
A Murkowski moment: Senator who opposes voter ID is checkmated by her own voting record
Collins’ decision to join the bill shows support is mounting inside the GOP to unify behind Trump-backed election priorities heading into the 2026 election cycle.
Yet even with the votes lined up for passage, the SAVE Act still faces procedural hurdles.
Republican leadership must decide whether to bring the bill forward in a way that forces Democrats into a so-called “standing” filibuster, requiring senators to physically hold the floor and debate continuously, rather than relying on the more common “silent” filibuster, where legislation stalls without the 60 votes needed for cloture.
Conservative Republicans have urged leadership to pursue the standing filibuster route, arguing it is the only realistic path for advancing Trump’s agenda when Democrats refuse to negotiate.
“The ordeal is not yet over,” one Senate Republican aide said, noting that procedural strategy could determine whether the bill reaches the finish line or dies in gridlock.
Collins’ move gives Republicans a symbolic boost as well as the vote they needed, signaling that even some of the Senate’s traditional moderates are now lining up behind election security legislation.
Whether the SAVE Act becomes law will depend on the next confrontation: not over votes, but over Senate rules, Democratic resistance, and how far Republicans are willing to push to get it done.
4 thoughts on “Sen. Susan Collins flips, favors SAVE Act, but filibuster is ahead before vote”
The standing filibuster is the way to put those opposed to common sense election reform on the record, make them explain to the 84% of the United States population that supports basic voter identification requirements why they think anyone from anywhere should be allowed to vote in our elections. Make them explain why we should be expected to show ID when we get on a plane or go to a rally for Democrat Jon Ossoff (who opposes voter ID). Make them make it make sense, because 84% of the American public thinks showing identification to vote isn’t an undue hardship, even noted liberal SCOTUS Justice John Paul Stevens wrote that voter ID requirements were a minimal burden.
Well stated. The standing filibuster would display Democrats saying many stupid, irrational and even racist things. The arguments against voter ID are weak. That should be revealed. Prediction: The Dems will talk for 48 hours and then cave.
The only reason to oppose requiring ID for voting is to keep it easier to cheat. Truly sheds light on what has been going on and what is intended.
“Murkowski, however, has publicly pushed back, saying Washington should not impose one-size-fits-all election mandates on states like Alaska.”
Cannot believe a UNITED States Senator cannot see and understand that democratic voting is ‘ONE citizen:ONE vote’ – ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL CITIZENS when it comes to a national ‘club’ event like voting – if you are not a member, you cannot participate – PROVE (ID / ‘membership card’) you are an eligible member and you can participate – simple as that!