A heated debate is brewing in Washington as Republican lawmakers push for a contentious voter identification bill to be included in a crucial government funding package. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, is being championed by prominent conservatives like Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee. They argue that attaching the bill to the stopgap spending measure, set to expire at the end of September, would force a vote on the legislation and prevent a government shutdown.
Several Republican senators, including Tommy Tuberville and Rick Scott, have expressed their support for the SAVE Act, but have not explicitly called for its inclusion in the spending bill. The bill initially passed the House of Representatives along party lines, with five Democrats crossing the aisle to support it. The ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus has also demanded its inclusion in the funding package, threatening to withhold their support for the measure without it.
Despite the strong push from Republican lawmakers, the idea faces resistance from key figures in the party. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, prioritizing avoiding a government shutdown, has not endorsed the bill’s inclusion in the spending measure. Similarly, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole has expressed doubt about its feasibility, stating that it would only be effective if it could pass the Senate.
The Biden-Harris administration has vehemently opposed the SAVE Act, reiterating that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. The Trump campaign, while supporting the bill’s swift passage, has not commented on its inclusion in the spending bill.
This ongoing debate highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party on issues related to election integrity and the role of government. As the September 30 deadline for funding approaches, the pressure to reach a compromise on the SAVE Act will likely intensify, potentially leading to a government shutdown if no agreement is reached.
