Republicans are not playing any games this November.
Several Republican lawmakers are calling for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to be attached to the forthcoming stopgap spending bill due by the end of next month. This legislation aims to enhance election security by mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections.
Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah are leading the push, using social media to advocate for the bill’s inclusion in the spending measure. They argue that integrating the SAVE Act with the spending bill is crucial to prevent a government shutdown as the fiscal year concludes. Cruz and Lee have made the case that there are no substantial reasons to oppose this move, with Lee emphasizing that attaching the SAVE Act to the spending bill is a logical step.
Support for the SAVE Act also comes from other Republican senators such as Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Rick Scott of Florida. Scott has highlighted recent data from Texas, which showed that over 6,500 non-citizens were removed from voter rolls, including nearly 2,000 who had voted illegally. Scott argues that this underscores the urgent need for the SAVE Act, asserting, “It’s time to pass the SAVE Act to combat illegal voting.”
The SAVE Act was passed by the House of Representatives with a vote of 221-198, largely along party lines, though a few Democrats joined Republicans in supporting it. The House Freedom Caucus, known for its conservative stance, has been vocal about including the SAVE Act in the stopgap spending bill. They warn that failure to do so might jeopardize their support for the spending measure, potentially leading to a government shutdown.
Representative Chip Roy of Texas, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has urged the GOP to ensure the SAVE Act is part of the six-month funding bill before the September 30 deadline. Roy has criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Senate for not advancing the bill on its own.
However, some Republicans are cautious about this approach. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole of Oklahoma has expressed concerns, suggesting that if the SAVE Act cannot pass the Senate, it would undermine the effectiveness of the continuing resolution. Additionally, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has emphasized the importance of keeping the government operational, indicating that attaching the SAVE Act could complicate efforts to prevent a shutdown.
The Biden administration has strongly opposed the SAVE Act, stating it would not be signed into law if passed. According to the administration, illegal voting by non-citizens is already a federal crime with severe penalties.
Former President Donald Trump has been a vocal supporter of the SAVE Act, calling for its swift passage. While his campaign did not provide specific comments on whether the bill should be included in the spending measure, Trump has underscored the importance of passing the SAVE Act to ensure the integrity of U.S. elections.
