On July 22, 2026, Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to advance the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act took a significant step forward in the House of Representatives. The bill aims to implement election reforms sought by former President Donald Trump and is part of a larger $95 billion budget bill. House Republicans utilized budget reconciliation to bypass Democratic opposition, allowing them to pass the legislation with a simple majority.
The framework for the reconciliation package was adopted in a narrow 216 to 214 vote, with all Democrats opposing it and three Republicans voting against it. The bill includes funding for various initiatives, including $10 billion for states to implement election integrity measures, which consist of federal voter ID rules and a proof of citizenship mandate for voter registration.
Concerns were raised by some Republicans regarding the lack of budget cuts to offset the new spending. Rep. Chip Roy expressed his desire for clarity on funding and spending, while Rep. Eric Burlison noted uncertainty about the Senate's support for the SAVE language. The bill's advancement reflects a unified Republican stance on enhancing confidence in American elections, despite opposition from Democrats who view it as voter suppression.