Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) voiced his support for the SAVE America Act on March 17, calling for measures to ensure that only American citizens are allowed to vote in U.S. elections. Barrasso delivered remarks in Washington, D.C., ahead of a significant Senate vote to begin debate on the proposed legislation.
The issue centers on election integrity and the requirement for voters to present photo identification at polling stations. Barrasso said these steps are necessary to protect the foundation of self-government and prevent non-citizens from influencing election outcomes.
“The SAVE America Act protects the vote of every single American citizen. What it says is simple. If you want to vote in the United States of America, you need to be a citizen of the United States of America. You need to show ID at the polls to vote. This is common sense,” Barrasso said.
Barrasso argued that current policies have undermined confidence in elections, referencing recent incidents involving non-citizen voting and highlighting state-level differences in voter identification laws. He stated, “Free and fair elections are the foundation of self-government. Without strong protections, that foundation crumbles.” He also cited examples where non-citizens have obtained driver’s licenses or voted in local elections across several states and Washington, D.C.
He criticized Democratic opposition to voter ID requirements, saying, “Why do Democrats in this chamber oppose showing an ID to vote? The Minority Leader is opposed because – in his words – it ‘allows ICE to kick tens of millions of people off the voter rolls.’ That’s who Democrats are for – illegal immigrants, not American citizens.” Barrasso further claimed that similar voter ID laws enacted elsewhere led to increased turnout and faster-moving lines at polling places.
Barrasso concluded by urging all senators to support the bill: “Voter ID and proof of citizenship are safeguards for our elections, not restrictions. The SAVE America Act is how we make elections safe, secure, and a true reflection of the will of American citizens.”
