House GOP Pushes Strict Proof-of-Citizenship Requirement for Voters

Legislation faces uphill battle in Senate ahead of midterm elections

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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House Republicans have rushed to approve legislation that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration and voting, a long-standing priority of the Trump administration. The bill, called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, would require Americans to prove their citizenship through a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate when registering to vote, and present valid photo ID before casting ballots. Democrats warn the new rules would disenfranchise millions of Americans by making it harder to vote, while Republicans argue the legislation is needed to prevent voter fraud.

Why it matters

The GOP's sudden push to change voting rules ahead of the midterm elections is raising concerns, particularly since former President Trump has suggested he wants to nationalize U.S. elections, which are constitutionally designed to be run by individual states. Experts say voter fraud is extremely rare, and the new requirements could make it significantly harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote.

The details

The SAVE America Act was approved by the House on a mostly party-line vote of 218-213. It would require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering, and valid photo ID before casting ballots. The bill also mandates that states share voter information with the Department of Homeland Security to verify citizenship. Election officials have warned the new rules would be difficult to implement and potentially confuse voters, as more than 20 million U.S. citizens of voting age do not have ready access to proof of citizenship.

  • The House approved the legislation on February 11, 2026.
  • Primary elections are scheduled to begin next month.

The players

House Republicans

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives pushed for the passage of the SAVE America Act.

Rep. Bryan Steil

A Republican representative from Wisconsin who presented the SAVE America Act package in committee, arguing the legislation is needed to enforce existing laws and prevent voter fraud.

Rep. Jim McGovern

The top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, who warned the bill is about "Republicans trying to rig the next election" by making it harder for Americans to vote.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

A Republican senator from Alaska who opposes the legislation, arguing that imposing new federal requirements on states' election preparations would negatively impact election integrity.

Sen. Mike Lee

A Republican senator from Utah who has pushed for a process that would skip the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold to allow the SAVE America Act to be debated.

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What they’re saying

“Let me be clear what this is about: It's about Republicans trying to rig the next election. Republicans are pushing the Save America Act because they want fewer Americans to vote. It's that simple.”

— Rep. Jim McGovern, Top Democrat on the House Rules Committee (yahoo.com)

“Election Day is fast approaching. Imposing new federal requirements now, when states are deep into their preparations, would negatively impact election integrity by forcing election officials to scramble to adhere to new policies likely without the necessary resources.”

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The legislation now faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it is unlikely to garner the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster. Some Republican senators are exploring a process that would skip the 60-vote threshold, but it remains unclear if there is enough support to do so.

The takeaway

The House GOP's push for strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting has raised concerns about voter suppression and the potential to undermine the integrity of the upcoming midterm elections. The legislation faces significant obstacles in the Senate, but its passage could make it significantly harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote.