Yesterday, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice and House Republicans passed H.R. 8281, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This piece of legislation will help certify the integrity and safety of U.S. elections. The bill preserves one of the most fundamental rights afforded to American citizens – the right to vote – by requiring proof of citizenship in order to cast a ballot in a federal election.
Specifically, H.R. 8281
Amends the National Voter Registration Act to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election.
Requires states to establish a program to remove non-citizens from their existing voter rolls.
Gives states immediate no-cost access to federal databases with citizenship information.
Adds penalties for federal, state, and local officials who knowingly register non-citizens to vote in federal elections.
Directs states to establish a process for applicants that do not have documentary proof of citizenship but are in fact U.S. citizens.
Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:
“Securing our elections is of paramount importance, which is why I was proud to vote in favor of the SAVE Act. This bill ensures that we protect the votes of American citizens; making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. We must strengthen our election security, improve voter confidence, and ensure American citizens are the only ones voting. The President’s decision to issue a veto threat for this legislation is deeply concerning. The SAVE Act is commonsense and should be non-controversial, as it only seeks to protect the right to vote for each and every citizen.”
Remarks as prepared:
Congresswoman Bice: Thank you Mr. Speaker.
I rise today in strong support of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility or SAVE Act.
Since taking office, more than 9.6 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border.
This crisis is not only a national security concern, but one that can seriously alter the outcome of our elections.
We have seen efforts from states and localities, including the District of Colombia to allow non-citizens to vote.
Securing our elections is of paramount importance, and we must ensure that it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.
The SAVE Act will strengthen our election administration, improve voter confidence, and ensure that American elections are ONLY for American citizens.
Specifically, this legislation requires state election officials to ask about citizenship before providing voter registration forms and requires an individual to provide proof of citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections.
These commonsense solutions are non-controversial, which is why I am deeply concerned that the President of the United States has threatened to veto this legislation.
In fact, this step should alarm every citizen living in our country.
And we must ask why…Why is this Administration refusing to take steps to safeguard our elections and protect the votes of every single American.
I strongly support the SAVE Act and look forward to voting for it.
Thank you Mr. Speaker and I yield back.
