Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) dismissed proposals to alter the Senate’s filibuster rule, stating there are “not even close” to enough votes to lower the 60-vote threshold for advancing legislation like the SAVE Act. Thune reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the filibuster, warning that reinterpretation could “tie up the floor indefinitely” and create “an opportunity cost” for other priorities. The Senate Republican Conference broadly supports his stance, with Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham cautioning that abandoning the filibuster would fundamentally alter the chamber’s balance of power.

Thune emphasized unity within the GOP, calling the SAVE Act “important” but acknowledging no clear path to bypass Democratic opposition without drastic rule changes. He hinted at exploring alternatives but refused to entertain demands for a ‘standing filibuster’ that would force Democrats to hold the floor continuously—a move criticized as impractical and potentially damaging to Senate traditions.