On Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina issued a detailed 15-paragraph message to fellow Republican senators criticizing their support for the SAVE America Act and the 1776 Fund, also known as the Anti-Weaponization Fund. Tillis argued that these initiatives could create “political headwinds” for Republicans heading into the midterm elections.

Opening his message on a cordial note, Tillis wished senators rest after a vote-a-rama but quickly pivoted to a pointed critique. He expressed confusion over why a supermajority of Republicans opposed his amendment aimed at killing the weaponization fund, noting it was proposed at the request of members in competitive races.

Tillis contended that senators opposing his amendment due to concerns about jeopardizing reconciliation privilege were “misinformed or a victim of groupthink.” He added that the same logic should have applied to the SAVE Act, stating, “had either version of the SAVE Act been adopted, the underlying bill would also have been at risk of losing privilege.”

He acknowledged expecting most Democrats to oppose his amendment because of Department of Justice and fraud funding issues but offered it as a compromise to allow members to express concerns about the 1776 Fund. He had consulted Democrats beforehand and was confident the amendment would not pass or threaten the underlying bill.

Tillis also referenced earlier pressure on vulnerable senators during the Schumer amendment on the 1776 Fund and a motion to commit, noting his collaboration with a Republican Louisiana senator. He criticized the practice of forcing votes with “no upside for in-cycle members” and then attacking colleagues for those votes, arguing it undermines efforts to maintain the majority.

This internal GOP dispute highlights tensions over legislative strategy as Republicans prepare for the midterm elections.

Sources