You could try turning on Do Not Disturb for all numbers, all the time. The calls and texts will technically still happen but you won’t be notified of them. You may be able to avoid voicemails if you never set it up. You’ll see all your texts if you ever open the app although you may be able to disable or remove it. (YMMV based on your particular phone.)
Yes, but also: Everything the government does costs money because someone has to make sure it’s being done. This stupid SAVE thing would have cost money to enforce and, therefore, it could be argued that it is related to the budget. That’s not a a very good argument, but it’s enough to slow down the process while they argue over it.