Republicans are pressuring Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to support a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. This bill, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aims to ensure election integrity by verifying citizenship and removing non-citizens from voter rolls.
Rep. Claudia Tenney, a co-chair of the House Election Integrity Caucus, emphasized the importance of election integrity in the upcoming 2024 election cycle. The SAVE Act received support from only five Democrats, highlighting a partisan divide on the issue.
Despite calls from Republicans, Schumer has not brought the SAVE Act to a vote in the Senate. Critics, including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, argue that Schumer’s inaction could undermine the democratic process, especially in light of the ongoing border crisis.
President Biden’s recent announcement that he will not seek a second term has shifted the focus away from the election integrity bill. However, Tenney and other Republicans are hopeful that Schumer’s position may change following the resignation of Sen. Bob Menendez, which could impact the balance of power in the Senate.
The SAVE Act has faced opposition from Democrats and President Biden, who has promised to veto the legislation if it passes. Republicans argue that the bill is crucial for upholding the integrity of American elections and ensuring that only citizens have the right to vote.
In addition to the SAVE Act, concerns have been raised about Biden’s executive order promoting access to voting, which some Republicans believe could federalize voter registration agencies and undermine election integrity. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen expressed reservations about the federal government’s involvement in voter registration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean voter rolls and verifying citizenship.
Overall, the debate over the SAVE Act highlights the deep divides between Republicans and Democrats on election integrity issues. Republicans are calling on Schumer to prioritize the bill and provide states with the tools to verify citizenship and uphold the integrity of the voting process. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the fate of the SAVE Act remains uncertain, with implications for future elections and the democratic process.