As the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is pushing to attach a controversial proof-of-citizenship voting law to a stop-gap spending bill. The measure, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, would mandate that individuals provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote in federal elections. This bill, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), has sparked intense debate, particularly as the federal government faces a potential shutdown on September 30.
The SAVE Act is designed to tighten election security by ensuring that only U.S. citizens can participate in federal elections. Johnson and his Republican colleagues argue that the bill is necessary to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, especially in light of what they describe as an unprecedented surge of illegal immigration under the Biden administration. Johnson claims that without such measures, the integrity of the upcoming November elections could be at risk, potentially leading to illegal immigrants swaying election results
https://x.com/MurderedHornet/status/1829726731105943980
However, the bill faces significant opposition from Democrats, who argue that it is redundant and unnecessary. Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and opponents point out that reported cases of noncitizen voting are exceedingly “rare”.
Despite this, Johnson is pushing forward with the SAVE Act, insisting that it is a common-sense measure backed by a majority of Americans. A 2022 YouGov survey found that 65 percent of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship to vote, including 48 percent of Democrats and 88 percent of Republicans. This widespread support, Johnson argues, reflects a deep concern among voters about the potential for election fraud.
https://x.com/abc27News/status/1830931760315506856
The timing of the SAVE Act's introduction is strategic. By tying it to the stop-gap spending bill, Johnson is effectively daring Democrats to oppose it and risk being blamed for a government shutdown. This tactic could also serve as a potent campaign issue for Republicans as they head into the November elections. Johnson has framed the bill as a critical safeguard against what he describes as the Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border, arguing that millions of illegal immigrants could potentially influence U.S. elections.
Democrats, however, are expected to push back hard against the bill, particularly in the Senate, where they hold a narrow majority. They argue that the bill’s true aim is to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority communities who may face greater challenges in obtaining the required documentation. This battle over the SAVE Act is likely to intensify as the shutdown deadline approaches, with both parties using the issue to rally their respective bases.
The broader implications of the SAVE Act could also have lasting effects on the political landscape. If passed, the bill would empower state officials to access federal databases to verify citizenship status, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of voter rolls across the country. It also directs the Department of Homeland Security to initiate removal proceedings against noncitizens found to have registered to vote, a provision that could further inflame tensions over immigration policy
As the clock ticks down to the September 30 deadline, all eyes will be on Washington to see how this high-stakes showdown over election integrity and government funding plays out.
