GOP Lawmakers Push Sweeping Federal Election Overhaul with SAVE America Act
WASHINGTON, January 31, 2026 – Congressional Republicans are mounting a renewed push for a federal election integrity package, introducing the “SAVE America Act,” a bill that would mandate proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification for voter registration in federal elections. The legislation, championed by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), has gained significant momentum within the GOP conference, setting the stage for a major political battle over voting rights ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The SAVE America Act: Key Provisions
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act proposes amendments to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Its central requirement is that individuals must provide documentary proof of United States citizenship—such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate—to register to vote in federal elections. The bill also mandates that voters present photo identification at the polls. Proponents argue the measures are necessary to ensure only eligible citizens participate in elections, while critics decry them as the most restrictive federal voting proposals in decades, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters who lack specific documents.
Legislative Status and Political Context
Senator Lee and Congressman Roy formally introduced the SAVE America Act this week, labeling it an expanded and improved version of previous proposals. The bill has quickly garnered co-sponsorship from nearly every Republican senator, according to reports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has indicated his support and stated that a vote on the legislation is forthcoming. In the House, Republicans are also advancing a separate but related bill titled the “Make Elections Great Again Act” (MEGA Act), which includes similar voter ID requirements and would overhaul mail-in voting rules. These moves follow public statements from former President Donald Trump criticizing mail-in and ranked-choice voting.
Key Facts & Legislative Details
| Bill/Initiative | Primary Sponsor & Key Details |
|---|---|
| SAVE America Act (Federal) | Sponsors: Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). Goal: Amend federal law to require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandate photo ID to vote. |
| H.R. 22 / Related Bills | Multiple bills (e.g., H.R. 22, S. 3752) with the title “SAVE Act” have been introduced in the 119th Congress, all sharing the core citizenship proof requirement. |
| Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act | A companion House Republican bill focusing on photo ID mandates, tightening voter registration, and overhauling mail-in ballot processes. |
| Political Support | Widespread co-sponsorship among Congressional Republicans; Senate Leader Thune has pledged to bring a version to the floor. Faces unified opposition from Democratic lawmakers. |
Reaction and Debate
The legislative push has ignited a fierce debate. Republican leaders frame the SAVE Act as a common-sense safeguard. “Our current system relies on unverifiable self-attestation,” argued one supporting organization. Senator Lee defended the bill, stating it is necessary to restore confidence in election outcomes. Conversely, Democratic-aligned groups and lawmakers have condemned the effort. One analysis called it “the most dangerous attack on voting rights ever” proposed at the federal level, arguing it would create significant barriers for eligible voters, including married women whose documentation may not reflect their current name, naturalized citizens, and low-income individuals. The White House has signaled it would veto the legislation should it pass the Republican-controlled Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAVE America Act?
The SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) America Act is proposed federal legislation that would require individuals to show proof of U.S. citizenship, like a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections. It would also require voters to present a photo ID at polling places.
Who is sponsoring the SAVE Act?
The bill is primarily sponsored by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and U.S. Congressman Chip Roy (R-Texas). It has gained co-sponsorship from a large majority of Republican members of Congress.
What is the current status of the bill?
As of late January 2026, the SAVE America Act has been introduced in both the Senate and House. Senate Republican leadership has indicated plans to schedule a vote on the legislation, though its prospects in the Democratic-controlled Senate are uncertain. A related bill, the MEGA Act, is moving through the House.
Why is there opposition to the SAVE Act?
Opponents, primarily Democrats and voting rights advocates, argue that stringent documentary requirements disproportionately affect eligible voter groups—such as the elderly, low-income citizens, naturalized Americans, and students—who may not have easy access to specific documents. They contend the bill solves a largely non-existent problem of non-citizen voting while suppressing legitimate votes.