This week, I voted no on Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s legislation, S. 723, in order to send a clear message: before Congress advances the Senate leadership’s priorities, we must address the American people’s top priority, securing our elections.
President Trump announced he would not move forward with the Senate’s legislative agenda until Senate leadership demonstrates a real commitment to election security by bringing the SAVE America Act to the floor for a vote- and my colleagues in the U.S. House need to do the same.
The American people deserve nothing less.
For those unfamiliar with the SAVE America Act, the legislation is a simple, common-sense reform designed to fortify our elections and ensure that only American citizens cast ballots in federal elections. Contrary to the claims of political fear-mongers, the bill does not eliminate mail-in voting. It simply prevents the reckless and haphazard mass distribution of ballots that has undermined confidence in the election process in recent years.
At its core, the SAVE America Act reinforces a basic principle: American citizens should decide American elections. This concept should not be controversial, and it should not be a partisan issue.
Free and fair elections are the foundation of our Republic. Public confidence in those elections is what allows our constitutional system to function. When Americans believe the rules are clear, consistently applied, and properly enforced, they accept outcomes and move forward as a nation. When that confidence erodes, the stability of the entire system begins to weaken.
That is precisely why the House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act.
The legislation also establishes a clear federal standard requiring proof of citizenship when individuals register to vote in federal elections. It does not overhaul the election system or impose complicated new mandates. Instead, it addresses a specific vulnerability in the voter registration process by ensuring citizenship is verified before individuals are added to federal voter rolls.
Across the country, Americans already accept identity verification as part of everyday life. Identification is required to board a commercial flight, open a bank account, enter federal buildings, or complete a wide range of regulated transactions. These safeguards are not viewed as barriers. They are viewed as common sense protections.
Voting in American elections deserves at least the same level of seriousness.
In recent years, debate over election procedures has become increasingly polarized. But regardless of party affiliation, Americans should be able to agree on one fundamental principle: the legitimacy of election outcomes depends on public confidence in the system itself.
Congress has a responsibility to protect that confidence.
Yet while the House has acted, the Senate has not. Instead, Senate leadership has prioritized other legislative initiatives while election security remains stalled.
That is precisely why I voted against Leader Thune’s legislation this week. If the Senate expects the House to advance its priorities, it must first prove its dedication to advancing the integrity of our elections- the American people have waited long enough.
The fate of America rests in the Senate’s hands, they must pass the SAVE America Act.