House Votes on SAVE America Act Requiring Voter ID, Proof of Citizenship

The GOP-backed bill aims to tighten election rules ahead of 2026 midterms, but faces fierce opposition from Democrats.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The House of Representatives is set to vote on the SAVE America Act, a revised version of the GOP's signature election reform bill. The legislation would impose new voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, restrict mail-in voting, and mandate states scrub noncitizens from voter rolls. While Republicans argue the changes are necessary to protect election integrity, Democrats say the bill would make voting more difficult and discriminate against low-income and minority voters.

Why it matters

The SAVE America Act is the latest flashpoint in the ongoing partisan battle over voting rights and election security. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the bill's passage could have significant implications for voter access and the credibility of election results, particularly in battleground states.

The details

The SAVE America Act would require voters to present a valid photo ID or provide the last four digits of their Social Security number to cast a ballot. It would also mandate that states obtain proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, before registering individuals to vote in federal elections. Additionally, the bill would restrict mail-in voting and require states to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls.

  • The House is scheduled to vote on the SAVE America Act later on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The bill has already passed the House but has stalled in the Senate since April 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud and called for tighter election rules.

Chip Roy

The Republican Congressman from Texas who sponsored the original SAVE Act, which served as the basis for the revised SAVE America Act.

Steve Scalise

The House Majority Leader who has argued the SAVE America Act is necessary to stop noncitizens from voting and protect election integrity.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who has vowed the SAVE America Act will be "dead on arrival" in the Senate.

Alex Padilla

The Democratic Senator from California who has accused Republicans of trying to "suppress the right to vote" with the SAVE America Act.

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What they’re saying

“America's Elections are Rigged, Stolen, and a Laughingstock all over the World. We are either going to fix them, or we won't have a Country any longer. I am asking all Republicans to fight for the following: SAVE AMERICA ACT!”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

“A number of states deliberately don't want to check whether or not somebody's here legally when they register, and then they mandate in some states that they can't show picture ID. That's a recipe for voter fraud.”

— Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader (Fox News)

“Our elections are key to our democracy. The SAVE Act would make it harder for registered, legal voters to vote.”

— Mike Thompson, Democratic Congressman from California (N/A)

“The Republicans' SAVE Act reads more like a how-to guide for voter suppression. It goes against the very foundations of our democracy.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (N/A)

“Republicans will stop at nothing to interfere with the 2026 midterms — including leveraging ICE to gain access to sensitive voter information or pass their anti-democratic SAVE Act.”

— Alex Padilla, Democratic Senator from California (N/A)

What’s next

The SAVE America Act will now move to the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle to overcome a likely Democratic filibuster. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed the bill will be "dead on arrival" in the upper chamber.

The takeaway

The SAVE America Act has become the latest flashpoint in the partisan battle over voting rights and election security. While Republicans argue the new ID and citizenship requirements are necessary to protect the integrity of elections, Democrats contend the bill would make it harder for many Americans, particularly low-income and minority voters, to exercise their right to vote. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for the 2026 midterm elections and the future of American democracy.