Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has called on Senate leadership to attach the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to the expected continuing resolution (CR). The SAVE Act aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship during voter registration.

This call follows Speaker Mike Johnson's announcement that he plans to include the SAVE Act in the House version of the CR.

“With the August recess coming to an end, the House and Senate will soon reconvene to focus on passing spending bills for Fiscal Year 2025,” Tuberville wrote in an op-ed published in Newsweek. “While funding the government is vital, I believe preserving the integrity of our elections is the most pressing issue before Congress. It is imperative that we attach the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to the upcoming continuing resolution (CR) before Americans cast their ballots this fall.”

Tuberville expressed support for Speaker Johnson’s decision, stating, “I am glad to see that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) intends to include the SAVE Act in the House version of the CR—an excellent decision. I’m calling on the Senate to follow Speaker Johnson’s lead to assure the American people that their voices will be heard this November.”

The SAVE Act was introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Representative Chip Roy (R-Tex.). It requires individuals residing within the United States to present proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Tuberville emphasized its straightforward nature: “If you are not a U.S. citizen, then you cannot vote in our nation’s elections.” He also noted his role as a cosponsor along with 22 other Senate colleagues.

“This legislation would require states to regularly take steps to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in our elections,” Tuberville explained. “Additionally, it would compel states to remove foreign nationals from federal voter lists, create a right of action to sue government officials who intentionally register foreign nationals, establish criminal penalties for officials who register foreign nationals, and require the Federal Election Commission to create guidelines to help state officials implement the SAVE Act’s requirements.”

Tuberville concluded by stressing its importance: “It’s a common-sense piece of legislation that would strengthen the integrity of our federal elections. Now, more than ever, it’s critical that Congress pass the SAVE Act along with the CR. The inclusion of this bill will help preserve the country our Founders fought so hard to establish. Without it, America as we know it may not survive.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on several committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP.