The Club for Growth announced on Mar. 17 the launch of PassSaveAmericaAct.com, a website aimed at tracking senators’ positions on the SAVE America Act and encouraging a prolonged Senate debate over the bill.
The move comes as outside conservative groups seek to influence how long Senate Republicans keep the floor debate going, with hopes that an extended discussion will spotlight Democratic opposition and shape public opinion ahead of upcoming elections.
Club for Growth President David McIntosh said he wants to see the Senate push the bill for several weeks. “If Thune gives up in the next week, next couple of weeks, and doesn’t at least go four or five or six weeks to be able to really force a robust debate, and to the point where it’s just clear the Democrats are being obstructionists … If he has the courage to do that, then I think he will walk away a winner,” McIntosh said in an interview published by The Hill.
The new website is designed to highlight lawmakers’ stances on both the legislation itself and efforts to require a “talking filibuster” as part of passing it. The group also issued a key vote alert for its lawmaker scorecard in conjunction with this effort.
According to McIntosh, support for measures like voter ID requirements remains high among voters. He pointed out that “if they are forced to defend that very unpopular position, then I think it actually helps Republicans going into the general election.” However, he cautioned that if Republicans end debate early without forcing Democrats into a filibuster, “then I think it hurts Republicans.”
The outcome of this strategy may have implications not only for passage of the SAVE America Act but also for broader electoral dynamics as parties prepare for midterm contests.
