Republican-Sponsored SAVE Legislation Continues Its Way Through Congress
House Republicans have propelled forward two critical bills concerning voter eligibility. The first one, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, mandates nationwide proof of citizenship for voters and was moved to the House floor this Thursday following a committee approval.
The legislation, initiated by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), received backing during its committee review in the House Administration Committee. Chair Rep. Brian Steil (R-Wis.) highlighted a case from Ohio where 137 noncitizens were found registered, emphasizing the ongoing risks of noncitizen participation in federal elections.
Additionally, the Republican majority successfully advanced another bill that would prohibit noncitizens from voting in Washington, D.C.’s municipal elections. Introduced by Rep. August Kluger (R-Texas), House Resolution 192 seeks to invalidate D.C.’s Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022.
This resolution passed in the House with support from some Democrats, showing a significant divide on the issue. Meanwhile, Rep. William Timmons (R-S.C.) has introduced similar legislation, the Demanding Citizenship in D.C. Elections Act, which also insists on U.S. citizenship for voting in local D.C. elections.
As these legislative efforts gain momentum, the debate over voting rights and citizenship continues to heat up, signaling a long battle ahead in Congress. Republicans maintain that these measures are essential to safeguard electoral integrity, while Democrats argue it’s a tactic to influence upcoming electoral outcomes.
