The House floor erupted in fierce debate Thursday over the SAVE Act 2025, a controversial bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), has drawn both support and criticism from lawmakers across party lines.
What Is the SAVE Act 2025?
The SAVE Act—short for Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act—seeks to tighten voter registration laws by mandating that individuals provide government-issued documentation such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license to prove U.S. citizenship. Under current law, voters may self-attest to their citizenship status.
Opposition Claims Discrimination and Voter Suppression
House Democrats, including Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), argue that the SAVE Act bill disproportionately affects women voter registration, particularly those who have changed their last names through marriage or divorce.
“This is a modern-day poll tax,” said Friedman. “It targets women and low-income voters.”
Williams added, “It violates the 14th, 19th, and 24th Amendments and every tenet of a free democracy.”
Boebert Fires Back
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) clapped back at Democratic objections during the floor debate, saying:
“Since we’re using women as bait here, maybe in the next round of debates they can explain to us exactly what a woman is.”
She dismissed claims that ID mismatches disenfranchise women, noting that her own voter ID does not match her birth certificate name.
Support from Democrats and GOP
While most Democrats voted against the bill, four supported it:
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA)
- Ed Case (D-HI)
- Jared Golden (D-ME)
- Henry Cuellar (D-TX)
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and others defended the bill, stating it is a necessary step to reinforce election integrity and prevent noncitizen voting, even though such incidents are rare.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) added that the bill provides a process for resolving name discrepancies, including those related to marriage, and only one form of ID is required.
SAVE Act Status: Did the SAVE Act Pass?
The SAVE Act passed the House, but it previously failed in the Senate and may face similar opposition again. Still, it has the backing of President Donald Trump, who recently issued an executive order mirroring the bill’s goals.
Source: Fox News
