Democrats warns Republicans SAVE Act will be 'unmitigated disaster' — for the GOP
The sun rises behind the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., seen from Arlington, Virginia on Nov. 12, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago
Democrats are mobilizing to defeat the SAVE Act, which House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark described as part of Trump's plan to control elections. The measure would require proof of citizenship, end mail-only voter registration, implement photo ID requirements nationwide, and mandate rules to purge noncitizens from voter rolls. Clark stated the bill "has nothing to do with voter ID laws" and "is all to do with voter suppression and rigging the election." Rep. Pete Aguilar emphasized the GOP's immediate intent, noting the Act would take effect immediately if passed, impacting 2026 primaries in states like Texas. Critics highlight that the documentation requirements disproportionately burden married women who changed their names, as the bill doesn't allow name-change proof. Notably, Rep. Ami Bera argued the measure would hurt Republican voters more than Democrats. And Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) said, “That is an unmitigated disaster for voters across America, Republicans as much as if not more than Democrats."