Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, has urged Senate leaders to bypass the filibuster process in order to advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act) to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The legislation requires voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship before registering for federal elections. Following House approval, Democrats have used the Senate’s cloture rule—a procedural mechanism that allows extended debate on legislation unless 60 senators vote to end it—to block the bill from advancing.
Williams stated that removing the filibuster would enable the Senate to pass most legislation with a simple majority of 51 votes, significantly increasing the party in control of the chamber’s power to enact bills without requiring bipartisan support.
“President Trump has told us if we don’t bust the filibuster, Democrats will take our country in a direction we don’t want,” Williams said.
The SAVE America Act is grounded in the principle that “if you’re illegal, you shouldn’t vote. If you’re legal, you have the opportunity to vote.” Federal law currently prohibits noncitizens from voting in U.S. federal elections and imposes penalties including fines, up to one year in prison, and potential deportation.
Trump recently reposted a White House message urging supporters: “It’s not that hard. JUST DO IT. Save America’s elections — pass the Save America Act.”
