John Cornyn, Chip Roy Seek Proof of Citizenship for Federal Voting

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), has introduced the SAVE America Act, legislation aimed at strengthening election integrity by requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot in federal elections.

The bill would also require states to properly maintain voter rolls by removing non-citizens.

"It is ridiculous that we need to pass a bill to ensure that Americans alone are the ones voting in our federal elections," said Sen. Cornyn.

He argued that "reckless open-border policies and Democrat-run sanctuary cities" have made additional safeguards necessary. Cornyn described the legislation as a "commonsense" measure to ensure elections are "secure and solely determined by American citizens."

The SAVE America Act builds on the previously introduced SAVE Act, for which Cornyn has been an original cosponsor in multiple Congresses.

While the SAVE Act focused on proof of citizenship during voter registration, the SAVE America Act goes further by also requiring voters to present photo identification before voting in a federal election. Texas already has a photo ID requirement in place, and supporters say the bill would extend similar standards nationwide.

According to Cornyn's office, the legislation responds to concerns that under the Biden-Harris administration, at least ten million illegal aliens entered the United States, with many states issuing driver's licenses and other identification to non-citizens.

Supporters argue that these policies create opportunities for unlawful voter registration. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are permitted to vote in local elections, heightening concerns about enforcement of federal voting laws.

The SAVE America Act would require individuals to present eligible photo identification before voting, mandate in-person proof of citizenship when registering to vote, and direct states to remove non-citizens from existing voter roles.

The bill is intended to protect the voting rights of U.S. citizens and restore confidence in federal elections.