U.S. Senator John Cornyn sharply criticized Democrats on the Senate floor, accusing them of blocking election security reforms and jeopardizing national safety by withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Speaking during debate on the SAVE America Act, Cornyn defended the bill's voter ID and citizenship requirements, arguing they reflect broad public support.
"Anywhere from 70% to 80% of people who were polled say they support the requirement for a photo ID," said Cornyn. "So I suppose... 70% to 80% of the people polled are for disenfranchising themselves. Well, obviously that makes no sense whatsoever."
Cornyn rejected the claim that the legislation would suppress voters, instead arguing that it would target only noncitizens.
"Let me set the record straight: the only votes that will be suppressed by the SAVE America Act are those of noncitizens or illegal aliens," he said.
Cornyn went further, accusing Democrats of opposing the bill for political reasons tied to immigration policy.
"The only reason why Democrats... would oppose this is because they want the people who came in during the four years of the Biden open-border policies to be able to cast a ballot," said Cornyn. Beyond election policy, Cornyn also turned his focus to the ongoing funding dispute over DHS, warning that delays are already affecting critical security operations.
"What the Democrats are doing is endangering public safety," said Cornyn, pointing to strained conditions for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. "TSA agents are overwhelmed and are not being paid," he emphasized.
Cornyn also raised concerns about impacts on federal investigations, noting that Homeland Security investigations work alongside the FBI on counterterrorism efforts.
"By not funding Homeland Securit Investigations, Democrats are making it more likely... that we'll have a successful terrorist attack on our home soil," said Cornyn.
With global tensions rising, Cornyn argued that political disputes over funding and election laws are putting Americans at risk.
"At a time when global tensions are rising... we can't afford to play politics with the safety and security of the American people," he said.
Cornyn's remarks underscore the intensifying partisan divide in Washington, as Republicans push forward election security legislation while simultaneously clashing with Democrats over federal funding and national security priorities.
