Senate opens fight over GOP elections bill as filibuster tactics clash

The Senate voted 51-48 to begin debate on the House-passed SAVE America Act, a GOP elections bill that would tighten citizenship and photo-ID requirements to vote. Conservative Republicans pressed for a “talking filibuster” to force a floor showdown, but leadership rejected that approach to avoid indefinite gridlock. Majority Leader John Thune plans to offer amendments (including mail-voting restrictions, limits on transgender athletes, and restrictions on minors’ gender-affirming surgeries) to shape the bill and blunt Democratic tactics. The fight highlights deep intra-GOP divisions as the chamber braces for a multi-day to multi-week floor battle, with other Capitol Hill items—NIH funding, DHS funding talks to end the shutdown, and oversight actions—also unfolding.