House to Vote on SAVE America Act as GOP Pushes Election Bill

The legislation would implement strict new requirements for voter registration and voting, drawing criticism from Democrats.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The House is set to vote Wednesday on the SAVE America Act, a Republican-backed bill that would require documentation like passports or birth certificates to register to vote in federal elections, as well as photo ID requirements to cast ballots. The measure is the latest GOP effort to pass legislation aimed at preventing noncitizens from voting, though instances of such voter fraud are rare. Democrats have warned the bill would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who lack easy access to the required documents.

Why it matters

The SAVE America Act is the latest flashpoint in the ongoing partisan battle over voting rights and election security. Republicans argue the bill is a common-sense measure to protect the integrity of elections, while Democrats view it as a thinly veiled attempt at voter suppression that could have significant implications for millions of Americans.

The details

The SAVE America Act would require voters to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections. It would also implement photo ID requirements for casting ballots. Republicans have touted the bill as a way to prevent noncitizens from voting, though instances of such voter fraud are exceedingly rare. Democrats and some experts have argued the legislation would effectively disenfranchise millions of Americans who lack easy access to the required documents.

  • The House is set to vote on the SAVE America Act on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • An October 2024 Gallup poll found 83% of Americans back a policy to require proof of citizenship to register to vote.
  • A Pew Research Center poll from August 2025 found 83% of Americans favor requiring voters to show government-issued photo ID.

The players

Mike Johnson

A Louisiana Republican and the current Speaker of the House.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has called on Republicans to support the SAVE America Act.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader, a Republican from South Dakota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Common-sense legislation to just ensure that American citizens decide American elections — it really is that simple.”

— Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House (CBS News)

“If you're one of the 50% of Americans who doesn't have a passport, or if you're one of the tens of millions of Americans who can't quickly access your birth certificate, the SAVE Act could, in effect, take away your right to vote.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (CBS News)

“We won't have a country any longer if [the SAVE Act] isn't enacted.”

— Donald Trump (CBS News)

“That's what the so-called SAVE Act is all about. And this version is worse than the last version.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (CBS News)

“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.”

— Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator from Alaska (X)

What’s next

The House is expected to vote on the SAVE America Act on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. If it passes the House, the legislation will then move to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain due to the 60-vote threshold for most legislation.

The takeaway

The SAVE America Act has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing partisan battle over voting rights and election security. While Republicans argue the bill is a common-sense measure to protect the integrity of elections, Democrats view it as a thinly veiled attempt at voter suppression that could disenfranchise millions of Americans. The outcome of this legislation will have significant implications for the future of voting in the United States.