Pennsylvania Leaders React to Passage of "SAVE America" Voter ID and Citizenship Act

The legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and new voter ID standards nationwide.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. House has passed the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship to register to vote and establish new voter identification requirements across the country. Pennsylvania leaders have reacted strongly to the bill, with Republicans praising it as a necessary step to secure elections and Democrats arguing it could disenfranchise many voters.

Why it matters

The SAVE America Act is a highly partisan and controversial piece of legislation that could have significant impacts on voting access and election integrity in Pennsylvania and nationwide. The debate over the bill highlights the ongoing tensions between concerns about voter fraud and efforts to protect voting rights.

The details

The SAVE America Act would require documented proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote. It would also establish new voter ID standards at polling places. Supporters say this is needed to restore confidence in elections, while opponents argue it could create barriers for many citizens, including married women, to cast their ballots.

  • The U.S. House passed the SAVE America Act on February 12, 2026.

The players

Guy Ciarrocci

A Pennsylvania conservative commentator and writer who praised the House vote as progress toward restoring confidence in elections.

Scott Perry

A Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania's 10th district who supported the SAVE America Act.

Lloyd Smucker

A Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania's 11th district who supported the SAVE America Act.

Josh Shapiro

The Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania who spoke out against the SAVE America Act, tying it to former President Donald Trump's efforts to nationalize elections.

Greg Rothman

The Republican State GOP Chair and State Senator from Cumberland County who argued that voter ID requirements are a low-barrier safeguard.

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What they’re saying

“The disappointment is that it wasn't unanimous by a voice vote. I think that everyone, regardless of party, should believe that elections should have three principles: It should be easy to vote, hard to cheat, and we have results that we trust.”

— Guy Ciarrocci, Pennsylvania conservative commentator and writer (fox43.com)

“We believe the administration of elections should be nonpartisan, and we're going to keep it that way. We're going to continue to respect the will of the people here in Pennsylvania, and we are not going to turn our elections over to Donald Trump.”

— Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Governor (fox43.com)

“It's insulting to suggest that new American citizens can't prove they're citizens. It's insulting to suggest that racial minorities don't know how to get ID. It's insulting to suggest that married women don't know how to prove their names.”

— Guy Ciarrocci, Pennsylvania conservative commentator and writer (fox43.com)

“You have to show your ID to get on a train or to get into a public building. I always thought that was the greatest hypocrisy that I'm required to show an ID to get into a public building, but I'm not. I don't have to show it to vote for those same public officials.”

— Greg Rothman, Republican State GOP Chair and State Senator (fox43.com)

What’s next

The SAVE America Act now heads to the U.S. Senate, where some Republicans have suggested eliminating the filibuster to pass the legislation.

The takeaway

The passage of the SAVE America Act in the House has reignited the partisan debate over voting rights and election integrity in Pennsylvania and across the country. The bill's fate in the Senate will be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for the future of American democracy.