The SAVE America Act would require voter ID and proof of citizenship. Photo courtesy of Congressman Rich McCormick.
On Wednesday evening, the US House of Representatives voted to once again pass the SAVE America Act, the critical legislation that requires proof of citizenship and voter ID to vote in federal elections. The final vote was 218-213, with only one brave Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), crossing the aisle to vote in favor of protecting our elections.
But the real battle is in the Senate, and the momentum is shifting fast.
Just days ago, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) tried to dump cold water on the bill, reportedly dismissing the effort by claiming, “There aren’t anywhere close to the votes.” Thune, who initially hadn’t even signed on as a co-sponsor, seemed ready to let the Democrats block this common-sense legislation without a fight.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) wasn’t having it. She blasted Thune on Wednesday, slamming him for riding President Trump’s coattails while ignoring the will of the American people.

“If you are going to say that you’re Republican, and then if you’re going to turn around and complain that I’m bullying you in the house for wanting to pass the SAVE Act… then maybe you should consider getting a different job,” Luna declared.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), the warrior leading the charge for election integrity in the Senate, announced on X that Thune caved.

“I just spoke with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who has asked me to add him as a cosponsor of the SAVE America Act. We’re now at 45. Baby steps to SAVE America,” Lee wrote.

Following Thune’s capitulation, the floodgates opened. Today, February 12, 2026, three more GOP Senators—Tim Scott (R-SC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)—officially signed on as co-sponsors.
And just moments ago, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) threw his full support behind the bill, becoming the 49th Co-Sponsor!
Senator Lee celebrated the massive victory:

“Added Sen. Sullivan. We’re now at 49! He and I worked together with the House to make constructive changes to the SAVE America Act, and we’re now one step closer to the Senate passing the House bill. Baby steps to SAVE America.”

Added Sen. Sullivan.
We’re now at 49!
He and I worked together with the House to make constructive changes to the SAVE America Act, and we’re now one step closer to the Senate passing the House bill
Baby steps to SAVE America https://t.co/2lboZrIox1
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 12, 2026

It can be recalled that Rep. Anna Paulina Luna revealed that Senate leadership is moving toward nuking the so-called “Zombie Filibuster” and restoring an old-school standing filibuster to advance the SAVE America Act, legislation that requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote.
According to Luna, John Thune signaled after a meeting with Donald Trump that the Senate is prepared to bring the SAVE Act to the floor without the modern, abuse-ridden 60-vote blockade.
Under a standing filibuster, senators who want to delay a bill must actually stand, speak, and debate. Once debate ends, only 50 votes are needed for passage.
If Republicans can enforce the standing filibuster, they can bypass the 60-vote rule and pass the bill with a simple majority.
We are currently at 49 votes. We need 50.
If the GOP reaches 50 votes, Vice President JD Vance is ready to cast the decisive 51st vote to send the legislation straight to President Trump’s desk.
Even cultural icons are waking up. Elon Musk and Nicki Minaj have rallied their massive followings, urging Americans to call their Senators and demand they pass the SAVE Act.
We are ONE vote away. The eyes of history are on the remaining Republicans who are still refusing to support election integrity.
Here are the Senate holdouts standing in the way of secure elections:

Lisa Murkowski (AK): (202) 224-6665
Mitch McConnell (KY): (202) 224-2541
Susan Collins (ME): (202) 224-2523
Thom Tillis (NC): (202) 224-6342

The post SAVE Act Reaches 49 Co-Sponsors — GOP Now Just ONE Vote Away from 50-Vote Threshold with Standing Filibuster appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.