WASHINGTON (TNND) — The U.S. Senate is preparing for a contentious debate next week over a Republican-backed voter identification bill, as President Donald Trump pressures lawmakers to pass what he calls a critical measure to secure federal elections.
The House has already approved a version of the bill, but the proposal faces a tougher road in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to advance. (TNND)
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the chamber will take up the legislation — known as the Save America Act — but acknowledged its path forward is uncertain.
“I can guarantee the debate, I can guarantee a vote, I just can’t guarantee an outcome,” Thune said.
The House has already approved a version of the bill, but the proposal faces a tougher road in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to advance. Democrats are uniformly opposed, making passage nearly impossible.
The legislation would require proof of U.S. citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — to register to vote in federal elections. Voters would also be required to present a photo ID when casting a ballot. The proposal would also mandate federal checks of voter rolls against government databases to identify potential non-citizens.
Another major change would involve mail-in voting. The bill would largely eliminate the widespread use of mail ballots that expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the proposal, absentee or mail ballots would generally only be allowed in limited circumstances, including military service, illness or disability, or if a voter is away from home during an election.
Republicans argue the changes are necessary to prevent voter fraud and ensure confidence in election results.
“We only want citizens to vote because we don’t want our legitimate votes canceled out by fraudulent ones,” said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis..
Democrats, however, argue the bill would make it harder for eligible Americans to vote and say there is little evidence of widespread voter fraud.
“I think it is a solution in search of a problem,” said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., “It is more punitive than any voter suppression law that I have seen.”
President Donald Trump has been a driving force behind the effort and is urging Republicans to move quickly on the legislation.
In an interview on Wednesday with our station, WKRC in Cincinnati, Trump said voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship are essential to election integrity.
“We want voter ID — very important,” Trump said. “You have to have voter identification and you have to have proof of citizenship.”
Trump has also warned Republican lawmakers that passing the measure could be key to the party’s success in the upcoming midterm elections.
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