The House of Representatives has passed the SAVE Act, a Trump-supported election bill that would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections.
The legislation cleared the chamber largely along party lines, with Republicans arguing the measure is necessary to prevent non-citizens from registering and voting. The bill would amend the National Voter Registration Act to require applicants to present documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or other approved proof of citizenship when registering.
Supporters say the proposal is designed to safeguard election integrity by tightening registration standards. They contend that while federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting, additional verification measures are needed to ensure compliance.
Democratic lawmakers opposed the bill, arguing it could create barriers for eligible voters who may not readily have access to required documentation. Critics raised concerns about the impact on married women whose legal names differ from those on birth certificates, as well as voters in rural or underserved communities.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. The House vote reflects ongoing national debate over election security and voter access as lawmakers continue to clash over how federal voting laws should be structured moving forward.