House GOP Advances SAVE America Act as Part of $95 Billion Budget Reconciliation

Speaker Mike Johnson succeeded in advancing a framework that includes the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act as part of a $95 billion budget reconciliation package in the House of Representatives. The measure, which would attach voter-ID and citizenship-proof requirements to federal election registration, passed the full House by a 216-214 vote, with all Democrats voting against it and three Republicans—Thomas Massie, Warren Davidson and Kevin Kiley—opposing the framework.

The reconciliation process allows the majority party to pass fiscal legislation with a simple majority, though the proposal must still meet strict policy criteria and be approved by both chambers before reaching the president. The budget plan also allocates $73 billion for operations related to the conflict in Iran, $12 billion for agricultural assistance, and $10 billion for states to implement the election-integrity provisions.

Republican members expressed mixed views. Rep. Chip Roy said he was “leaning in support but still undecided,” while Rep. Eric Burlison indicated uncertainty about the SAVE language surviving Senate review, noting he would not count on a favorable vote in a whip-count.

Democrats continue to oppose the SAVE America Act, describing it as a form of voter suppression, whereas Republican leaders argue it is intended to strengthen confidence in U.S. elections.