Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri expressed frustration after four Republican senators joined Democrats to block the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act from Senate’s reconciliation package. He emphasized the popularity of voter ID and the demand for safe and fair elections.

During Thursday’s vote, Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis voted with Democrats to defeat the amendment, upsetting Hawley. He highlighted Missouri’s successful implementation of voter ID, underscoring voter support for such measures.

“Voter ID is the most popular thing out there,” Hawley stated. “People want their elections to be safe, they want them to be fair.”

The failed Senate attempt to pass the legislation, included in the $70 billion budget reconciliation package for funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, sparked debate. Some senators argued voter ID and election integrity laws should remain under state jurisdiction.

Hawley countered, asserting Congress’s role in regulating federal elections through established laws like the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. He maintained that protecting ballot integrity is fundamental.

The SAVE Act aims to enhance federal election security by requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo identification for casting ballots.

Hawley cited existing voter ID laws in 37 states, refuting claims of its novelty. He projected eventual nationwide adoption due to public demand.

Hannah Brennan, the article’s writer, is a Digital Production Assistant on Fox News’ Politics team, with prior experience covering political events and developments for the Aspen Daily News.