House Passes SAVE Act, Opponents Warn of Voting Barriers

Legislation requires proof of citizenship and voter ID, raising concerns over voter suppression.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the SAVE Act, a bill backed by President Trump that would implement new voting requirements such as proof of citizenship and voter ID. While Republicans argue the law will combat voter fraud, Democrats and voting rights advocates warn it could disenfranchise millions of Americans, particularly those in rural, low-income, and minority communities.

Why it matters

The SAVE Act represents the latest effort by Republicans to tighten voting rules in the wake of the 2020 election, which Trump has falsely claimed was marred by widespread fraud. Critics say the new requirements could make it significantly harder for millions to register and cast ballots, undermining the fundamental right to vote.

The details

The centerpiece of the SAVE Act is a requirement that voters provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, in order to register. This could pose a major barrier for the 69-70 million Americans who lack ready access to these documents, including many in rural areas, low-income communities, and communities of color. The bill also mandates voter ID and new rules for mail-in ballots.

  • The House passed the SAVE Act on February 12, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future due to the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

The players

Janice Quinlan

President of the Appleton-Fox Cities League of Women Voters, who expressed concern that the SAVE Act's requirements would disproportionately impact certain communities.

Senator Ron Johnson

Republican senator who referred a reporter to a previous interview on Newsmax when asked about the SAVE Act's impact on his constituents.

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Democratic senator who criticized the SAVE Act as an effort to undermine faith in elections and make it harder for Americans to vote.

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What they’re saying

“It's extremely concerning to me because what we don't wanna do is make it harder to vote.”

— Janice Quinlan, President, Appleton-Fox Cities League of Women Voters (fox11online.com)

“This bill will make it harder for Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to have their voices heard at the ballot box – and I am against that.”

— Senator Tammy Baldwin (fox11online.com)

What’s next

The Senate will now consider the SAVE Act, but it is unlikely to pass due to the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

The takeaway

The SAVE Act represents the latest Republican effort to tighten voting rules, raising concerns that it could make it significantly harder for millions of Americans, particularly in marginalized communities, to exercise their fundamental right to vote.