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As 2026 kicks off, Republicans in the Senate are facing pressure to pass the SAVE Act – key legislation that is important to Americans who value the safety and security of federal elections.
The House passed the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) in April 2025, but it has since stalled in the upper chamber. The legislation represents a popular talking point from the 2024 presidential election cycle: the introduction of voter ID.
If passed, the SAVE Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
The legislation was introduced in January 2025 and sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, but has been unable to move out of the Senate and reach the president’s desk for potential signature into law.
The SAVE Act found itself in the spotlight again on New Year’s Eve, as SpaceX and Tesla visionary Elon Musk remarked on X that passing the bill was “essential,” sparking a brief trend on the social media platform: “Pass the SAVE Act.”
“This is essential[,]” Musk said.
Musk’s comments were a response to a series of X posts, chiefly Florida Rep. Byron Donald’s (R). The congressman remarked on the key legislation, calling for its passage in the Senate. Donalds noted that the House GOP passed the bill “264 DAYS AGO.”
“I agree with @SenMikeLee – It’s time to PASS THE SAVE ACT NOW!” Donalds wrote.
Donalds, in turn, was responding to Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, who raised concerns about potential voter fraud in Minnesota.
“The SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register and vote in federal elections, passed the House in April,” Lee said on X. “The Senate should send it to President Trump’s desk for signature ASAP.”
Early Vote Action founder and voting activist Scott Presler also applied pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) this week, adding, “Senator Thune, The American people demand you pass the SAVE Act.”
Congress will return to work on January 3, 2026.