Republicans push for SAVE Act amid spending bill negotiations

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House Speaker Mike Johnson is advocating for the inclusion of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in a continuing resolution aimed at keeping the government funded. The SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration, has become a point of contention between Republicans and Democrats.

The bill, part of ongoing spending negotiations, is intended to secure elections by preventing noncitizen voting. However, it faces significant opposition in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. There is also uncertainty about its survival in the Republican-controlled House, where opinions on the measure are divided. Arizona’s two-tiered voter registration system, which requires proof of citizenship for state elections, is being cited by supporters as a model for the proposed legislation.

Johnson is navigating internal party divisions as the government approaches another spending deadline. Republican lawmakers are seeking to extend current funding levels while adding the SAVE Act as a policy provision. Should opposition prevent its passage, a "clean" resolution without additional measures may be considered to prevent a government shutdown.