WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- The Voting Rights Act ran into a roadblock last week in the US Senate over resistance to changing filibuster rules.

Democrats didn’t have the votes to change the rules to a simple majority to get to debate on the bill.

Those filibuster rules don’t apply to confirmation votes on Supreme Court Justices or federal judges.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says judicial nominations have been held separate from legislative actions.

Thune says those rules should not apply to legislation.

Thune says the filibuster is a vital part of government checks and balances.

Democrats continue to push for the Voting Rights Act, while republicans say it is an attempt to federalize state and local election laws.