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DHS Secretary Noem Pitches Republican Voting Bill in Phoenix
Noem calls SAVE Act an "opportunity to show we're serious about securing our elections"
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used a news conference outside Phoenix to promote the Republican voting and elections bill that recently passed the U.S. House. Noem claimed the so-called SAVE America Act would prevent noncitizens from voting, though she acknowledged she couldn't point to specific examples of that happening. Critics say the bill could disenfranchise millions of U.S. citizens who lack ready access to the documents needed to prove citizenship.
Why it matters
The SAVE Act is part of a broader Republican push for stricter voting rules, which Democrats and voting rights advocates argue is aimed at suppressing turnout among certain groups. Noem's comments highlight the partisan divide over election security and the ongoing debate over balancing access to voting with measures to prevent fraud.
The details
The SAVE America Act would require documented proof of citizenship to register to vote and impose a photo ID requirement to cast a ballot, among other changes. Noem claimed the bill was needed to prevent noncitizens from deciding elections, though she acknowledged she couldn't provide specific examples of that happening. Democrats and other critics say the bill could disenfranchise millions of U.S. citizens who don't have ready access to the documents that would prove their citizenship.
- The U.S. House passed the SAVE America Act earlier this week.
The players
Kristi Noem
The current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by the Republican administration.
U.S. House
The lower chamber of the U.S. Congress, which recently passed the SAVE America Act.
What they’re saying
“This was a joint agency task force mission that was undertaken and we're continuing to work on the communication through that.”
— Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
“I am still in charge of the Department of Homeland Security.”
— Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
What’s next
The SAVE America Act faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where it does not appear to have the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster rules.
The takeaway
Noem's comments highlight the ongoing partisan debate over election security, with Republicans pushing for stricter voting rules and Democrats arguing that such measures could disenfranchise legitimate voters. The fate of the SAVE Act in the Senate will be closely watched as a barometer of the broader fight over voting rights.
