Rep. Chip Roy: 50 senators are committed to passing the SAVE America Act-LR

Rep. Chip Roy: 50 senators are committed to passing the SAVE America Act-LR

Rep. Chip Roy’s SAVE America Act Gains 50 Senate Supporters Amid Legislative Deadlock

The SAVE America Act, a controversial federal bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and imposing stricter photo ID requirements, has secured 50 Senate supporters, according to recent developments. The legislation, championed by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), passed the House in February 2026 but faces a procedural hurdle in the Senate due to the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

The bill's 50th Republican backer was Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a centrist who cited revised provisions easing proof-of-citizenship requirements for in-person voting. Collins emphasized that the law "improves the security of our federal elections" while addressing her earlier concerns about implementation according to NBC News. However, she explicitly opposed eliminating the filibuster, a stance that aligns with other moderate Republicans like Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who have criticized the bill as an overreach into state election authority.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has condemned the bill as "Jim Crow 2.0," arguing it disproportionately disenfranchises low-income voters and people of color who may lack accessible government-issued IDs according to NBC News. A Pew Research Center poll cited by Schumer notes 83% of Americans support voter ID requirements, though critics highlight disparities in access to such documentation according to NBC News.

The SAVE America Act would mandate federal standards for voter registration, preempting state laws in 42 states that allow online or mail-in registration without citizenship verification. It also requires states to cross-reference voter rolls with the federal Systematic Alien Verification of Eligibility system, a process that raises privacy and logistical concerns. Notably, the bill does not allocate federal funding for compliance, potentially straining state resources.

With 53 Republican-held Senate seats, the party lacks the 60 votes needed to pass the bill under current rules. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has ruled out a filibuster elimination but hinted at exploring a "talking filibuster" strategy— a tactic historically deemed ineffective. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressured for swift passage, framing the bill as critical to "saving the republic".

As the debate continues, the legislation remains stalled, reflecting broader partisan divisions over election integrity, federal oversight, and voting rights. The outcome will hinge on whether Senate Republicans can unify behind alternative strategies or if Democrats sustain their opposition.