SAVE Act
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedSummary of the SAVE Act (H.R. 22)
The SAVE Act — which stands for Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — is a federal bill that would require people to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Currently, voter registration forms ask applicants to attest under penalty of law that they are citizens, but do not require a physical document proving it. This bill would change that by mandating documentary proof, such as a passport or birth certificate, as part of the registration process.
The bill would affect anyone who wants to register to vote in federal elections across the country, including people registering for the first time or updating their registration. Election officials at the state and local level would also be affected, as they would be responsible for collecting and verifying these documents. Supporters argue the bill ensures only eligible citizens can vote, while opponents have raised concerns that many eligible citizens — particularly low-income individuals, elderly people, and rural residents — may not have easy access to the required documents and could face difficulty registering.
The bill has moved through the House of Representatives but has seen procedural debate, including a motion to send it back to the House Administration Committee — a step sometimes used to slow or challenge legislation. The legislative process is ongoing, and the bill's ultimate fate in both the House and Senate remains to be determined.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.
April 10, 2025
Sponsor
Committees
Legislative History
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 22, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Johnson (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Apr 10, 2025The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Apr 10, 2025Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H1569)
Apr 10, 2025Received in the Senate.
Apr 10, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 22.
Apr 10, 2025Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
Apr 10, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294. (consideration: CR H1569-1579)
Apr 10, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Apr 10, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Apr 10, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102). (text: CR H1569-1571)
Apr 10, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102).
Apr 10, 2025On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 215 (Roll no. 101).
Apr 10, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1580-1581)
Apr 10, 2025Rule H. Res. 294 passed House.
Apr 8, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 294 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res. 28, H.R. 1526 and H.R. 22. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28.
Apr 7, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 282 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 22, H.R. 1526, S.J. Res. 18, and S.J. Res. 28 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 22 and H.R. 1526, and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 18 and S.J. Res. 28. The resolution also provides that H. Res. 23 and H. Res. 164 are laid on the table.
Apr 1, 2025Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Jan 3, 2025Introduced in House
Jan 3, 2025Introduced in House
Jan 3, 2025