Luna Rips Senate Leader Thune Over Voter ID Bill Stalemate
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is turning up the pressure on Senate leadership, openly criticizing John Thune for what she views as a failure to advance voter identification legislation—an issue she says sits at the very core of election integrity.
Speaking with journalist Catherine Herridge on the program “Straight to the Point,” Luna argued that Republicans, despite controlling both chambers of Congress, have no excuse for inaction on a priority long championed by Donald J. Trump.
“I think the number one most important issue in the country right now is voter ID. And if we can’t deliver on that, then people like John Thune do not deserve to come back to Congress,” Luna said.
The exchange centered on the proposed Save America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship and valid identification to vote—measures Republicans argue are essential to safeguarding elections.
Herridge pressed the issue directly, asking why GOP majorities have yet to move the bill forward. “Republicans control the House and the Senate. Why can’t they get the Save America Act passed?” she asked.
Luna placed the blame squarely on Senate leadership. “John Thune is a problem,” she said, arguing that the Senate majority leader has the authority to alter procedural rules, including the filibuster, to allow the legislation to pass. “He has every ability to embrace the standing filibuster or remove the filibuster.”
Her criticism extended to the modern use of the filibuster itself, which she described as a distortion of its original purpose. “Democrats are going to do it anyways,” Luna warned, suggesting that if Republicans fail to act, Democrats will not hesitate to eliminate the rule when politically convenient. “And by the way, the current form of the filibuster is a perversion of what it initially was.”
While declining to label Thune’s leadership as weak, Luna did not soften her stance. “I think John Thune is doing the wrong thing,” she said. “I don’t know if I would necessarily say weak because he’s clearly stubborn.”
According to Luna, responsibility for the stalled legislation rests entirely with Senate leadership—not with Democratic opposition. “He can’t honestly blame the Democrats for this because he’s the one in control,” she said.
In an effort to force movement, Luna revealed she is exploring procedural avenues to attach voter ID provisions to other must-pass legislation, including upcoming votes tied to surveillance authorities under FISA.
“We have FISA up for a vote this week,” she said. “I’m trying to do everything I can to get voter ID on to FISA.”
Still, Luna acknowledged resistance not only from Democrats but from within Republican ranks as well. “But I’m having to work against my own party to do that. I’m just one person and it takes multiple votes,” she said.
While expressing support for reforms to surveillance laws, Luna reiterated that election integrity remains her top priority. “Yes, FISA needs reform. But I think the number one most important issue in the country right now is voter ID.”
She closed with a direct call for accountability, urging voters to hold lawmakers responsible if they fail to act.
“If we can’t deliver on that, then people like John Thune do not deserve to come back to Congress,” Luna said. “Vote him out… when it’s time.”
As internal divisions surface within the GOP, the debate highlights a broader question facing Republicans: whether they can translate unified campaign promises on election security into legislative victories—or risk frustration among the very voters who delivered them power.