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HOUSE · HR 7296 119 CONGRESS

SAVE America Act

INTRODUCED
January 30, 2026
POLICY AREA
Government Operations and Politics
STATUS
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
SOURCE
Congress.gov ↗

Bill Summary

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act) or H.R. 7296 is a comprehensive bill introduced in the 119th Congress designed to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to strengthen voter eligibility requirements for federal elections. The bill has two main components: first, it requires proof of United States citizenship for voter registration in federal elections by amending multiple sections of the NVRA to mandate documentary proof of citizenship at the point of registration; second, it requires photo voter identification for voting in federal elections, mandating that all voters present eligible photo identification when voting in person or with absentee ballots.

Under the citizenship proof requirements, the bill defines 'documentary proof of United States citizenship' to include various forms of identification such as REAL ID-compliant documents indicating citizenship, valid U.S. passports, military ID with service records showing U.S. birthplace, government-issued photo ID showing U.S. birthplace, and other documents when presented with supporting evidence like birth certificates, hospital records, adoption decrees, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificates, or American Indian Cards with KIC classification. The bill applies these requirements across all voter registration methods including mail-in forms, motor vehicle agency registrations, and voter registration agencies, while establishing processes for those who cannot provide documentary proof through attestations and alternative evidence verification.

The photo voter ID requirements mandate that individuals voting in federal elections present tangible photo identification documents issued by specified authorities (state DMVs, election offices, tribal governments, State Department, War Department, or military branches) that contain a photograph, indication of U.S. citizenship, and either an ID number or last four digits of Social Security Number. The bill includes provisions for states using the SAVE system to verify citizenship, special rules for states without voter registration requirements, guidance from the Election Assistance Commission, exemptions from the Paperwork Reduction Act, notification duties for the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding naturalized citizens, and protections for provisional ballots. The effective date is upon enactment, applying to voter registration submissions and elections occurring on or after that date.

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Where Each Party Stands

Democrats

MIGHT SUPPORT
+Includes provisional ballot protections ensuring verified citizens can still vote even if ID issues arise
+Provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to access the voting process
+Establishes clear notification requirements when applicants submit incomplete registration forms
+Creates alternative pathways for citizens who lack standard documentation through attestation and evidence processes
+Requires the Election Assistance Commission to provide implementation guidance to states
+Includes provisions for states to verify citizenship through existing federal databases like SAVE and SSA verification
+Mandates removal of non-citizens from voter rolls when verified information becomes available
+Requires Secretary of Homeland Security to notify election officials of new naturalized citizens
+Provides special accommodations for states that don't require voter registration as a prerequisite to voting
+Exempts voter registration materials from Paperwork Reduction Act requirements, reducing administrative burden
MIGHT OPPOSE
−Imposes burdensome documentation requirements that could disenfranchise legitimate voters
−Creates significant barriers for marginalized communities including minorities, elderly, students, and low-income individuals
−Requires photo ID for voting which studies show disproportionately impacts minority voter turnout
−Adds complexity to voter registration process that could suppress participation among eligible citizens
−Alternative verification methods through attestation may be insufficiently secure against fraud
−Implementation costs could divert resources from other important election administration needs
−May create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that discourage voter participation
−Risk of erroneous removal of citizens from voter rolls through database matching errors
−Could violate constitutional principles of equal access to the ballot box
−Federal overreach into traditionally state-administered election processes

Republicans

MIGHT SUPPORT
+Enhances election integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting in federal elections
+Provides clear, standardized requirements for voter identification that reduce fraud opportunities
+Empowers states to maintain accurate voter rolls through verification systems like SAVE
+Protects the value of citizenship by ensuring only citizens participate in federal democratic processes
+Includes reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to comply with requirements
+Provides alternative verification methods for those lacking standard documentation through attestation processes
+Strengthens federal-state cooperation in election administration through information sharing requirements
+Modernizes voter registration verification by incorporating existing federal databases and verification systems
+Includes criminal penalties for officials who facilitate non-citizen voting or register ineligible applicants
+Creates a uniform national standard that prevents patchwork state approaches to voter eligibility verification
MIGHT OPPOSE
−May create unnecessary barriers to voter registration for eligible citizens who lack easy access to documentation
−Could disproportionately affect elderly, rural, or low-income citizens who face challenges obtaining required documents
−Implementation costs for states to establish verification systems and processes may be significant
−Risk of disenfranchising citizens through overly stringent documentation requirements
−Potential for inconsistent application across states despite federal standards
−May create confusion among voters about what specific documents are acceptable
−Could lead to lengthy verification processes that delay voter registration
−Alternative verification processes through attestation may still be vulnerable to fraud
−Requires significant coordination between federal agencies and state election officials
−May face legal challenges under constitutional voting rights protections

History

Jan 30, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced in House
SPONSOR
Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]
Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]
TX District 21 · R
RELATED BILLS
HR 22 — SAVE Act S 128 — SAVE Act S 3752 — SAVE America Act HR 8206 — Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 HR 8595 — Making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes.