Senate Votes Down SAVE America Act
On Thursday, the Senate dismissed the SAVE America Act, a Republican proposal aimed at revamping election law. President Trump had urged Congress to prioritize this measure, but it did not pass. The vote took place during a debate over funding for immigration.
House Passed, Senate Stalled
The House previously approved the bill in February with a narrow party-line vote. The proposal lingered in the Senate as members debated its implications and necessity. If enacted, the bill would have required voters to present proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—when registering to vote. Research indicates millions of Americans face challenges in obtaining these documents. Experts argue the requirement is excessive, in light of minimal evidence of noncitizens voting in U.S. elections.
“The alleged sin that it is trying to correct happens so infrequently that it really does seem like the solution would be much, much worse than the disease,” said Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck.
President Trump’s Campaign
Despite skepticism, Trump promoted the act as essential to combating fraud, which he falsely claims is widespread. He emphasized the act’s importance during his State of the Union address, accusing Democrats of opposing it to allow cheating.
Trump frequently posted online about the bill, stressing his intent to prioritize it above other legislation. Some Republican members of Congress considered ending or modifying the filibuster to prevent Democrats from hindering the act. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged insufficient support from Republicans.
“It’s about the votes. It’s about the math,” Thune stated. “I’m the one who has to be the clear-eyed realist about what we can achieve here.”
Further Requirements in the Act
In addition to proof of citizenship, the act mandated photo identification for voters and required states to submit voter lists to a Department of Homeland Security system known for incorrectly flagging citizens as noncitizens.
Historically, Republicans have resisted efforts to nationalize election procedures. However, Trump expressed support for nationalizing voting regulations. Notre Dame law professor Derek Muller noted that if passed, the SAVE America Act would have significantly centralized election law.
“The debate has shifted from whether to nationalize elections to how,” Muller observed. “And that may make future discussions easier for Democrats when they regain power.”