Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) this week over his failure to advance voter identification legislation in the Senate during an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge on the program “Straight to the Point.”
Advertisement Luna said she believes voter identification is a top national issue, and argued that Republican leadership should be able to pass legislation on the matter given their control of Congress.
“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,” she said.
Luna’s comments came during a discussion about the Save America Act. The legislation would require proof of citizenship and identification in order to vote.
Advertisement Horridge asked why Republicans have not been able to move the bill forward despite holding majorities
Advertisement Herridge asked why Republicans have not been able to move the bill forward despite holding majorities. She questioned whether internal divisions within the party were preventing action on an issue that is clearly a priority for President Donald Trump.
“Republicans control the House and the Senate. Why can’t they get the Save America Act passed?” she asked.
Advertisement Luna responded by placing responsibility on Thune, noting he has the authority to change Senate procedures to allow the bill to advance. “John Thune is a problem,” Luna said. “He has every ability to embrace the standing filibuster or remove the filibuster,” she said.
She also criticized the current use of the filibuster in the Senate
She also criticized the current use of the filibuster in the Senate. Luna said the procedure has changed from its original purpose, and predicted Democrats would definitely get rid of it if they seize power in the future.
“Democrats are going to do it anyways,” Luna said. “And by the way, the current form of the filibuster is a perversion of what it initially was.”
Advertisement Luna said some lawmakers prioritize protecting Senate traditions. She said she believes the focus should be on outcomes rather than institutional norms. “I get protecting the institution, but let’s also talk about what the institution’s become,” Luna said. She argued that the current system is preventing action on key issues.
