WASHINGTON (TNND) — Republican lawmakers are preparing for a pivotal Senate vote on the “Save America Act,” legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and mandate photo identification for participation in federal elections.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced support for the measure in an interview with The National News Desk on Tuesday, calling in-person voting “the best way to vote” and raising concerns about the reliability of mail-in ballots.
I support the idea of producing citizenship,” Paul said. “Voting by mail is more inherently less trustworthy because no one sees who fills out the ballot.”
The bill faces an uncertain path forward in the Senate, where Republican leaders are still working to secure enough votes to advance it. Paul indicated that an initial procedural vote will be critical in determining the bill’s viability.
“If there are 50 people who vote in favor of it, then the vice president could break a tie,” he said. “If there are 49 votes, then we’re dead in the water from the very beginning.”
While Paul said support for voter ID requirements appears strong among the public, he acknowledged resistance from senators representing states that rely heavily on mail-in voting, particularly in rural and geographically large regions like Alaska.
In some states, people have to fly to another city to vote,” Paul noted. “That’s where the pushback is going to come.”
He also suggested that the bill’s broader scope could complicate its passage. According to Paul, additional provisions, including those related to transgender issues, may alienate potential Democratic support, even if there is bipartisan agreement on citizenship requirements.
The citizenship requirement might get all Republicans,” he said. “But when you add other issues, it makes the bill more difficult to pass.”
Beyond election legislation, Paul addressed ongoing debates over federal funding and government shutdowns. He reiterated support for his previously introduced “Shutdown Prevention Act,” which would maintain government operations at reduced funding levels rather than allowing a full shutdown.
“I continue to think it’s a silly idea to shut down government for reducing spending,” Paul said. “So what I would do is let government continue, but at a significantly reduced amount, and then they would have to debate and come to the table if they want more than that.”
He also backed proposals to ensure that federal employees, such as TSA agents and border patrol officers, continue receiving pay during funding lapses, arguing that the government has contractual obligations to those workers.
Paul further expressed openness to privatizing airport security functions, describing them as “essential” services that should not be disrupted during political standoffs.
The Kentucky senator also discussed his push to remove liability protections for vaccine manufacturers, arguing that individuals harmed by vaccines should have the right to pursue legal action.
“If we take away from liability…sloppiness enters into the equation because they don’t fear the idea that their product might have lawsuits,” Paul said. “So I don’t love people suing all the time. I’m a physician. I don’t love the idea of lawsuits, but at the same time, I think the opposite. Having no lawsuits, I think, may make safety worse for patients.”
Paul, a longtime critic of former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, renewed calls for accountability related to the federal government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said he has referred Fauci to the Department of Justice over allegations of misleading Congress and improper conduct, though no charges have been filed under either the Biden or Trump administrations.
Paul also questioned the validity of a presidential pardon issued to Fauci, suggesting it could be challenged in court.
“The case is fairly simple,” Paul said, alleging Fauci misled lawmakers about gain-of-function research and directed colleagues to delete emails, claims that Fauci has denied.
As the Senate prepares for its initial vote on the Save America Act, the outcome remains uncertain. While Republicans largely support the measure, internal divisions and anticipated Democratic opposition could determine whether the bill advances.
“The first vote will tell us everything,” Paul said.
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