The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote once again on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Originally introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), the SAVE Act seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by mandating documentary evidence of citizenship before an individual can be added to the voter rolls. The bill passed the House in July 2024 but was ultimately blocked in the then Democrat-controlled Senate. Now, with Republicans in control of both chambers, the legislation is back on the floor—and this time, it may go further.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the upcoming vote, saying:
“We must ensure that ONLY American citizens vote in American elections. This is a matter of national integrity.”
Backed by Trump Administration’s New Executive Order
The renewed push for the SAVE Act comes just days after President Trump signed an executive order mandating that states require proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. The order also allows the federal government to withhold funding from states that refuse to comply.
Trump’s executive action has triggered sweeping changes to the way elections are administered, including stricter voter ID rules and tighter controls on ballot processing. It also includes new accountability standards for state election officials.
Supporters: “This Is About Election Integrity”
Supporters of the bill argue that it closes a dangerous loophole that could allow non-citizens to register and vote, especially in states where ID verification is lax or virtually nonexistent.
Rep. Roy said the legislation is “common sense”, and that it protects the voices of American citizens from being diluted by those who have no legal right to vote.
Opponents Cry Voter Suppression
Democrats and left-wing activist groups are already denouncing the bill, claiming it could “disenfranchise” eligible voters who may not have easy access to documents like birth certificates or passports. Legal challenges are expected, with opponents arguing that the federal government is overstepping its authority in state-managed election processes.
Still, GOP leaders say the American people are firmly behind the idea that only U.S. citizens should be casting votes in U.S. elections—and they’re ready to fight to make that law.
Election Integrity at the Forefront
With the 2026 midterms approaching and confidence in elections still a top concern for voters, the SAVE Act is being positioned as a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s broader election integrity agenda.
Republicans are framing the upcoming vote as a defining moment—one that could restore trust in the system and ensure American elections are decided by Americans, not foreign nationals or illegal voters.
The House is expected to vote in the coming days, and with support growing, momentum is clearly on the side of those demanding stronger protections for the ballot box.