Memphis Standard

On September 26, 2024, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) addressed the Senate floor, urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to a vote. This legislation aims to secure U.S. elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration nationwide.

The SAVE Act, co-sponsored by Blackburn and introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), passed the House over the summer. The bill's primary goal is to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections.

During her remarks, Blackburn emphasized the importance of fair and open elections in preserving freedoms: "In America, nothing is more fundamental to preserving our God-given freedoms—as equal citizens—than fair and open elections."

Blackburn criticized the current administration's handling of immigration: "But for more than three years, we have seen the Biden-Harris administration wage a war on this sacred institution by making illegal immigration legal." She cited statistics indicating over 10.2 million illegal crossings under this administration and expressed concerns about illegal aliens receiving government benefits such as drivers' licenses and state IDs.

Highlighting issues with voter identification laws, Blackburn noted: "In 14 states across the country, voters aren’t required to show any form of identification at the polls." She argued that many states lack proper safeguards to prevent illegal aliens from voting in federal elections.

Blackburn presented the SAVE Act as a solution: "Our SAVE Act would solve this problem. This bill would require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship—in person—before allowing an individual to register to vote for a federal election." The act also includes provisions for removing non-citizens from voter rolls and allows citizens to sue election officials who do not enforce these requirements.

Despite passing in the House in July, Blackburn pointed out that Senate Democrat leadership has not allowed a vote on the bill: "For two months, Senate Democrat leadership have refused to bring this bill up for a vote."

Blackburn concluded by stressing the need for election integrity: "Now more than ever, we must restore faith in our elections. The SAVE Act would help ensure that happens."