The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act significantly amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) by requiring all individuals to provide documentary proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote in elections for Federal office. This measure aims to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote. The bill outlines a comprehensive list of acceptable documents and establishes new procedures for voter registration across various methods. Under the SAVE Act, acceptable forms of documentary proof include a REAL ID-compliant identification indicating citizenship, a valid U.S. passport, or a U.S. military identification card with a service record showing U.S. birth. Other options include government-issued photo identification cards showing U.S. birth, or such cards presented with additional documents like a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. These specific requirements aim to standardize and strengthen the verification process for voter eligibility. The bill mandates that states cannot accept or process voter registration applications for federal elections without this documentary proof, impacting registrations through motor vehicle departments, mail-in forms, and voter registration agencies. For applicants unable to provide immediate documentary proof, states must establish a process allowing them to submit an attestation under penalty of perjury and other evidence, with an election official making a determination. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is tasked with developing a uniform affidavit for such cases. States are required to take affirmative steps to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered, including establishing programs to identify non-citizens using information from sources like the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, the Social Security Administration, and state agencies. Federal departments and agencies must share relevant citizenship information with state election officials upon request. The Secretary of Homeland Security is also directed to investigate for removal proceedings if an alien is found to be unlawfully registered to vote. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that states must remove non-citizens from voter rolls upon receiving verified information of their non-citizenship. It introduces criminal penalties for election officials who register applicants without documentary proof of citizenship and for executive branch officers providing material assistance to non-citizens attempting to register or vote. The EAC is also directed to issue guidance on implementing these new requirements shortly after the Act's enactment, and the Paperwork Reduction Act will not apply to the development of new voter registration materials.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 282 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution also provides that H. Res. 23 and H. Res. 164 are laid on the table.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 294 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
Rule H. Res. 294 passed House.
Received in the Senate.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294. (consideration: CR H1569-1579)
Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 22.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569: 2)
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 22, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Johnson (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581: 1)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101).
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 282 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution also provides that H. Res. 23 and H. Res. 164 are laid on the table.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 294 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
Rule H. Res. 294 passed House.
Received in the Senate.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294. (consideration: CR H1569-1579)
Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 22.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569: 2)
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 22, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Johnson (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581: 1)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101).
Citizenship and naturalizationCivil actions and liabilityCriminal procedure and sentencingElection Assistance CommissionElections, voting, political campaign regulationGovernment information and archivesImmigration status and proceduresLicensing and registrationsPostal serviceState and local government operationsVoting rights
SAVE Act
USA119th CongressHR-22| House
| Updated: 4/10/2025
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act significantly amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) by requiring all individuals to provide documentary proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote in elections for Federal office. This measure aims to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote. The bill outlines a comprehensive list of acceptable documents and establishes new procedures for voter registration across various methods. Under the SAVE Act, acceptable forms of documentary proof include a REAL ID-compliant identification indicating citizenship, a valid U.S. passport, or a U.S. military identification card with a service record showing U.S. birth. Other options include government-issued photo identification cards showing U.S. birth, or such cards presented with additional documents like a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. These specific requirements aim to standardize and strengthen the verification process for voter eligibility. The bill mandates that states cannot accept or process voter registration applications for federal elections without this documentary proof, impacting registrations through motor vehicle departments, mail-in forms, and voter registration agencies. For applicants unable to provide immediate documentary proof, states must establish a process allowing them to submit an attestation under penalty of perjury and other evidence, with an election official making a determination. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is tasked with developing a uniform affidavit for such cases. States are required to take affirmative steps to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered, including establishing programs to identify non-citizens using information from sources like the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, the Social Security Administration, and state agencies. Federal departments and agencies must share relevant citizenship information with state election officials upon request. The Secretary of Homeland Security is also directed to investigate for removal proceedings if an alien is found to be unlawfully registered to vote. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that states must remove non-citizens from voter rolls upon receiving verified information of their non-citizenship. It introduces criminal penalties for election officials who register applicants without documentary proof of citizenship and for executive branch officers providing material assistance to non-citizens attempting to register or vote. The EAC is also directed to issue guidance on implementing these new requirements shortly after the Act's enactment, and the Paperwork Reduction Act will not apply to the development of new voter registration materials.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 282 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution also provides that H. Res. 23 and H. Res. 164 are laid on the table.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 294 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
Rule H. Res. 294 passed House.
Received in the Senate.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294. (consideration: CR H1569-1579)
Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 22.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569: 2)
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 22, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Johnson (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581: 1)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101).
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 282 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution also provides that H. Res. 23 and H. Res. 164 are laid on the table.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 294 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
Rule H. Res. 294 passed House.
Received in the Senate.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294. (consideration: CR H1569-1579)
Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 22.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569: 2)
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 22, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Johnson (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581: 1)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101).
Citizenship and naturalizationCivil actions and liabilityCriminal procedure and sentencingElection Assistance CommissionElections, voting, political campaign regulationGovernment information and archivesImmigration status and proceduresLicensing and registrationsPostal serviceState and local government operationsVoting rights