Thune's Inaction on SAVE Act Contrasts with South Dakota's Proactive Citizenship Verification
Source: Shawn Fleetwood. "Thune Slacks On SAVE Act As His State Passes Its Own Version." March 6, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that Senate leader John Thune is doing a bad job because he won't push through a voting law that requires proof of citizenship, while his own state of South Dakota just passed the same type of law. This shows Thune could get it done if he really tried.
Conclusion
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is failing in his leadership duties by not advancing the SAVE America Act, while his own state demonstrates effective action on the same issue
Premises
- South Dakota passed SB 175, requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, with overwhelming bipartisan support (64-3 in House, 28-6 in Senate)
- SB 175 is substantively similar to the federal SAVE America Act that Thune has failed to advance
- South Dakota legislators overcame initial committee resistance through determined procedural action to pass their citizenship verification bill
- Senate Republicans under Thune's leadership have refused to force Democrats into a talking filibuster to advance the SAVE America Act
- The contrast shows that effective legislative action on citizenship verification is possible when leaders are committed
Assumptions
- The SAVE America Act is beneficial policy that should be passed
- A Senate Majority Leader has the power and responsibility to advance priority legislation
- State-level success on an issue demonstrates federal feasibility
- Forcing a talking filibuster is a viable and appropriate Senate procedure
- Thune's inaction represents a failure of leadership rather than strategic calculation