SAVE Act

Bill Number: H.R. 22
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-04-10: Received in the Senate.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T03:23:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), H.R. 22, aims to prevent non-U.S. citizens from registering to vote in federal elections by amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). It requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when applying to register, ensuring only eligible citizens participate in elections for federal offices like President, Congress, or Senate.

Key Provisions

Definition of Documentary Proof: Establishes a list of acceptable documents to prove U.S. citizenship, including:
A REAL ID-compliant identification (a secure form of ID meeting federal standards).
U.S. passport.
Military ID with service record showing U.S. birth.
Government-issued photo ID showing U.S. birth.
Other photo IDs paired with items like a certified birth certificate, hospital birth record, adoption decree, consular birth report abroad, naturalization certificate, or certain American Indian cards.
Registration Requirements: States cannot process voter registration applications for federal elections without this proof. This applies to all methods, including:
Driver's license applications.
National mail-in forms (applicants must present proof in person later).
Voter registration agencies (e.g., public assistance offices).
Verification and Removal Processes:
States must create programs to check citizenship using federal databases like the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration data.
Non-citizens must be removed from voter rolls upon discovery.
For those without documents, states allow an attestation (sworn statement) under penalty of perjury, plus alternative evidence, with official review and affidavit.
Federal agencies must respond to state requests for citizenship verification within 24 hours, without fees.
Mail Registration Specifics: Applicants receive notices about the proof requirement; states must accommodate people with disabilities.
Guidance and Notifications: The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) provides implementation guidance within 10 days of enactment. DHS notifies state election officials of new naturalized citizens.
Penalties and Enforcement:
Criminal penalties for officials who register ineligible voters or assist non-citizens.
Private lawsuits allowed against officials who register applicants without proof.
Exemptions and Rules: Does not affect provisional ballots (temporary ballots verified later). Exempts states from some NVRA parts if they adopt identical rules. Bypasses the Paperwork Reduction Act for new forms.
Effective Date: Applies immediately to applications submitted after enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Adds Citizenship Proof Mandate: The NVRA previously relied on self-attestation of citizenship without requiring documents; this introduces a strict proof requirement for federal elections.
Expands Verification Tools: Mandates use of federal databases for ongoing checks and allows states to remove non-citizens based on verified information, beyond prior limited grounds.
Modifies Forms and Processes: Updates mail and driver's license forms to include citizenship verification; adds sections for recording proof details.
Enhances Penalties: Introduces new criminal offenses for aiding non-citizen registration and strengthens private enforcement rights.
Limited State Flexibility: Certain states (e.g., those previously exempt from NVRA) must comply or adopt equivalent rules within 60 days before their next federal election.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Increases workload for state election officials to verify documents and integrate databases, potentially straining resources. Federal agencies like DHS and the Social Security Administration must share data promptly, which could require system upgrades. The EAC gains responsibilities for guidance and affidavits.
On Citizens: U.S. citizens without easy access to required documents (e.g., low-income, elderly, or rural residents) may face barriers to registration, possibly delaying or discouraging participation. Naturalized citizens benefit from DHS notifications. Non-citizens risk investigation and deportation if found registered.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could indirectly affect perceptions of U.S. election integrity in diplomatic contexts, especially regarding immigration enforcement tied to voting.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Voters and Potential Registrants: All U.S. citizens seeking to register for federal elections, particularly those without standard documents; naturalized immigrants who may need extra steps.
State and Local Election Officials: Responsible for implementing verification, handling proofs, and maintaining rolls; face new compliance burdens.
Federal Agencies: DHS (for SAVE system and naturalization notices), Social Security Administration (for verification), and EAC (for forms and guidance).
Voter Registration Agencies: Public offices like DMVs or social services must collect and verify proof.
Non-Citizens: Undocumented or legal immigrants at risk of scrutiny if mistakenly registered.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: May invite challenges under the Voting Rights Act or Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment) if seen as disproportionately burdening certain groups (e.g., minorities or the poor) without documents, potentially violating access to voting as a constitutional right. Strengthens enforcement against fraud but could conflict with NVRA's goal of easy registration.
Constitutional: Balances states' rights to regulate elections (Article I, Section 4) with federal oversight, while ensuring due process for removals from rolls.
Political: Promotes voter integrity by addressing non-citizen voting concerns but risks politicization as a tool to suppress turnout; could influence election administration debates, with supporters viewing it as safeguarding democracy and critics as unnecessary hurdles given rare non-citizen voting incidents.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]

Cosponsors (110)

Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27], Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4], Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] and 60 more

Recent Actions

2025-04-10: Received in the Senate.
2025-04-10: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-04-10: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102). (text: CR H1569-1571) (Roll call 102)
2025-04-10: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102). (Roll call 102)
2025-04-10: On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101). (Roll call 101)
2025-04-10: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581)
2025-04-10: 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.
2025-04-10: The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
2025-04-10: Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569)
2025-04-10: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2025-04-10: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 22.
2025-04-10: 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.
2025-04-10: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294. (consideration: CR H1569-1579)
2025-04-08: Rule H. Res. 294 passed House.
2025-04-07: 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.

Bill Versions

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (26 pages)
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (24 pages)