Senator Mike Lee on the Talking Filibuster and the SAVE Act for Voter ID

The SAVE Act's Broad Support

• 💡 The SAVE Act, which mandates voter ID, enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support, with 71% of Democrats and over 80% of Americans overall in favor.
• ✅ The bill has already passed the House and has secured 49-50 Republican co-sponsors in the Senate, including Susan Collins.

Overcoming the "Zombie Filibuster"

• 👻 The current Senate process allows for a "zombie filibuster," where senators can block legislation by simply voting against cloture (requiring 60 votes) without engaging in debate.
• 🗣️ Senator Mike Lee proposes restoring the "talking filibuster," a historical practice where senators must physically speak on the Senate floor to delay a bill.
• 🏛️ This traditional filibuster requires senators to speak for extended periods, potentially for weeks or months, until they are exhausted.

Rationale for Restoring the Talking Filibuster

• 🎯 Restoring the talking filibuster would give the filibuster "teeth" and force opponents to publicly defend their stance against popular legislation like the SAVE Act.
• ⚖️ This approach is seen as preserving the original intent of the filibuster, which was designed for unlimited debate through speaking.
• 🇺🇸 It would highlight the opposition of Washington D.C. Democrats against the will of the American people, including a significant portion of their own party.

Challenges and Democratic Opposition

• 🚧 Some Republicans are reluctant due to unfamiliarity with the talking filibuster, as it hasn't been used in decades, and uncertainty about its duration or outcome.
• 💬 Democrats' opposition is speculated to stem from the status quo benefiting them, potentially through non-citizens registering to vote via the National Voter Registration Act (NVA) and driver's license applications.
• ⚠️ An executive order on voter ID is less desirable than legislation because laws are more permanent and less susceptible to subsequent administrations or legal challenges.

Path Forward for the SAVE Act

• 🤝 Senator John Thune, a co-sponsor, is considering the talking filibuster strategy, having been briefed by Senator Lee and other Republican colleagues.
• ⏳ The implementation of this tactic was delayed by the Department of Homeland Security funding debate, but Senator Lee hopes it will be pursued soon after.
• 🏆 Success requires wholehearted support and teamwork from Senate Republican leadership and rank-and-file members, despite the time commitment involved.