Has the SAVE Act Passed in the Senate?

The claim in question is whether the SAVE Act has passed in the Senate. The SAVE Act, formally known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, has been a topic of significant discussion and controversy, particularly regarding its implications for voting rights in the United States. This article will explore the current status of the SAVE Act, the legislative process it has undergone, and the differing perspectives surrounding it.

What We Know

1. Legislative Status: The SAVE Act was introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 8281 on May 7, 2024, and subsequently passed the House on April 10, 2025, with a vote of 221 to 198 14. However, it has not yet passed the Senate. The Senate version of the bill is S. 128, which is part of the 119th Congress 6.

2. Requirements of the Bill: The SAVE Act mandates proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Proponents argue that this requirement is necessary to prevent voter fraud, while opponents claim it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who may not have the required documentation readily available 410.

3. Political Context: The SAVE Act has garnered support from Republican lawmakers, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has urged the Senate to pass the bill 5. Conversely, Democratic lawmakers and various voting rights organizations have criticized the legislation, arguing that it disproportionately affects minority and low-income voters 34.

4. Public and Expert Opinions: The Brennan Center for Justice has estimated that around 21.3 million eligible U.S. citizens may lack the necessary proof of citizenship, raising concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of these individuals if the bill were to become law 410.

Analysis

The SAVE Act's journey through Congress reflects a broader national debate on voting rights and election integrity.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited provide a mix of government records, news articles, and expert opinions. For instance, Congress.gov is a reliable source for legislative information, as it is maintained by the Library of Congress 12. News outlets like AP News and NPR also provide credible reporting, although they may carry inherent biases based on their editorial slants 410.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, such as statements from political figures like Ken Paxton and Senator Alex Padilla, may reflect partisan perspectives that could influence their portrayal of the bill's implications 35. It is essential to recognize that these statements may not provide an impartial view of the legislation.

• Methodological Concerns: The estimates provided by organizations like the Brennan Center rely on demographic data and surveys, which can vary in accuracy based on methodology. While these estimates are valuable, they should be interpreted with caution, as they may not capture the full scope of the issue 410.

• Lack of Senate Passage: As of the latest updates, the SAVE Act has not passed in the Senate, and its future remains uncertain. The political landscape can shift rapidly, and additional information about upcoming votes or discussions in the Senate would be beneficial to understand the bill's trajectory.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the SAVE Act has passed in the Senate is false. The evidence indicates that while the SAVE Act was passed by the House of Representatives, it has not yet been approved by the Senate. The legislative status of the bill remains unresolved, with ongoing debates surrounding its implications for voting rights.

It is important to note that the SAVE Act has generated significant political discourse, reflecting broader concerns about voter eligibility and election integrity. Proponents argue for the necessity of proof of citizenship to prevent fraud, while opponents warn of the potential disenfranchisement of millions of eligible voters.

However, the current lack of Senate passage means that any claims regarding the bill's enactment are premature. The political landscape is fluid, and future developments could alter the status of the SAVE Act.

Readers should also be aware of the limitations in the available evidence, as the situation is subject to change based on legislative actions and political negotiations. Therefore, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and stay informed about ongoing developments regarding voting legislation.

Sources

1. H.R.8281 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): SAVE Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress. Link
2. H.R.22 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): SAVE Act. Link
3. Padilla Statement on House Passage of SAVE Act That Would ... Link
4. House passes SAVE Act, bill requiring proof of citizenship for voting | AP News. Link
5. Attorney General Ken Paxton Sends Letter to U.S. Senate Urging Passage ... Link
6. SAVE Act (S. 128) - GovTrack.us. Link
7. Kelly votes for SAVE Act, prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections | Congressman Mike Kelly. Link
8. Sen. Rick Scott Applauds House Passage of Limit, Save, Grow Act - U.S. Senator Rick Scott. Link
9. SAVE Act (H.R. 22) - GovTrack.us. Link
10. What the SAVE Act could mean for millions of voters, according to a Brennan Center expert: NPR. Link