House Advances Trump-Backed SAVE America Act Mandating Proof of Citizenship for Voters
Washington, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced the SAVE America Act, a controversial measure prioritizing President Trump’s push for stricter federal election standards. Scheduled for a final vote today, February 11, 2026, the legislation mandates documentary proof of citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—for voter registration. While Republican leadership champions the bill as a necessary safeguard against fraud, critics argue it risks significant disenfranchisement. The most striking data point driving the opposition is a Brennan Center analysis indicating that approximately 21 million American citizens do not possess readily accessible proof of citizenship. As the legislative agenda intensifies, this bill highlights the deepening partisan divide in Washington, though its path through the Senate remains highly uncertain due to the filibuster threshold.
Legislative Maneuvering and GOP Revolt
The path to today’s scheduled final vote was fraught with internal friction. On Wednesday, the House narrowly passed the procedural rule to advance the bill by a vote of 216-215 [3]. This success came only after Speaker Mike Johnson managed to quell a minor revolt within his own party that had derailed the process on Tuesday [3]. Three Republicans—Reps. Don Bacon, Thomas Massie, and Kevin Kiley—had initially blocked the rule, not due to the voting bill itself, but in opposition to language preventing snap votes on President Trump’s tariffs [3]. The Rules Committee ultimately adjusted the package late Tuesday evening to secure the necessary support for the SAVE America Act, which Speaker Johnson has designated a top priority for the conference [1][3].
Strict Documentation Meets Public Support
Introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), the legislation goes beyond the standard voter ID laws currently present in 36 states [3][6]. It requires individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register for federal elections, alongside a photo ID to cast a ballot [1][6]. While the Brennan Center’s data suggests logistical hurdles for millions, public sentiment appears aligned with the GOP’s push [4]. Polling data from Gallup in October 2024 and the Pew Research Center in August 2025 indicates that 83% of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship for first-time registration and government-issued photo ID for voting [2].
Senate Prospects and Future Implications
Despite the House’s momentum, the SAVE America Act faces a formidable wall in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dampened expectations on Tuesday, stating explicitly that there are “not even close” to enough votes to remove the filibuster to pass the measure [1]. The bill would require 60 votes to advance, meaning at least seven Democrats would need to cross the aisle—a scenario deemed highly unlikely given the polarized environment [2]. Furthermore, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski has voiced opposition, citing the risks of altering federal requirements so close to the upcoming midterm elections [2]. While President Trump has urged Congress to “nationalize” voting procedures, the legislative reality suggests this bill serves more as a political signal than an imminent policy shift [4][6].