Fact Check: has the save act passed in the senate

Has the SAVE Act Passed in the Senate?

The claim in question is whether the SAVE Act has passed in the Senate. This legislation, formally known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, has been a topic of significant debate and contention in U.S. politics, particularly concerning its implications for voter registration and eligibility.

What We Know

1. Legislative Status: The SAVE Act, identified as H.R. 8281 in the 118th Congress, was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 7, 2024, and passed there on May 23, 2024. However, as of now, there is no indication that it has been voted on or passed by the Senate 110.

2. Senate Reception: Following its passage in the House, the SAVE Act was sent to the Senate. The legislative process requires that both the House and Senate pass identical versions of a bill for it to become law 6.

3. Statements from Senate Leaders: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Alex Padilla have publicly criticized the SAVE Act, labeling it as potentially disenfranchising to voters. Schumer's statement emphasizes concerns about the act's implications for democracy, while Padilla's remarks highlight the risk of disenfranchisement for millions of eligible voters 34.

4. Public and Expert Opinions: Various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Brennan Center for Justice, have condemned the SAVE Act, arguing that it would impose unnecessary barriers to voter registration and disproportionately affect certain populations 79.

5. Legislative Process: For the SAVE Act to progress, the Senate must agree to bring it up for a vote, which has not yet occurred. The timeline for such actions can vary significantly based on political priorities and procedural considerations 10.

Analysis

The information surrounding the SAVE Act's status in the Senate is derived from multiple sources, each with varying degrees of credibility and potential bias.

• Congress.gov is a reliable source for legislative information, as it is the official website for U.S. federal legislative information 12. However, it does not provide real-time updates on Senate actions.

• Press releases from Senate leaders (Schumer and Padilla) provide insight into the political climate surrounding the bill but may reflect partisan perspectives. Schumer's comments, for instance, suggest a strong opposition to the bill, framing it as a threat to democracy 3. This could indicate a bias against the bill, as it comes from a Democratic leader.

• Reports from organizations like the ACLU and the Brennan Center are valuable for understanding the implications of the SAVE Act. However, these organizations have specific advocacy agendas, which may color their interpretations of the bill's potential effects 79.

• Media coverage, such as that from NPR and the Associated Press, attempts to present a balanced view but can also be influenced by the outlet's editorial stance 87.

The lack of a definitive vote or passage in the Senate raises questions about the legislative priorities and the potential for further debate or amendments to the bill.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the SAVE Act has passed in the Senate is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the fact that the SAVE Act, after passing in the House, has not yet been voted on or passed by the Senate. Legislative procedures require both chambers to approve identical versions of a bill for it to become law, and as of now, the Senate has not taken any action on the SAVE Act 110.

It is important to note that while there is significant opposition to the SAVE Act from various political leaders and organizations, the absence of a Senate vote does not preclude future discussions or potential amendments to the bill. The political landscape can change rapidly, and the SAVE Act may still be subject to further debate.

However, the evidence available is limited to the current legislative status and public statements, which may not capture all nuances of ongoing political negotiations. Readers should remain aware that legislative processes can be complex and subject to change.

In light of this, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate information and stay informed about developments in legislation, especially on topics as impactful as voter eligibility and registration.

Sources

1. H.R.8281 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): SAVE Act. Congress.gov
2. H.R.22 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): SAVE Act. Congress.gov
3. Leader Schumer Statement Following House Passage Of The SAVE Act. Democrats.senate.gov
4. Padilla Statement on House Passage of SAVE Act That Would Disenfranchise Millions of Americans. Padilla.senate.gov
5. Attorney General Ken Paxton Sends Letter to U.S. Senate Urging Passage of The SAVE Act. Texas Attorney General
6. SAVE Act (S. 128) - GovTrack.us. GovTrack.us
7. House passes SAVE Act, bill requiring proof of citizenship for voting. AP News
8. What the SAVE Act could mean for millions of voters, according to a legal expert. NPR
9. ACLU Condemns House Passage of Anti-Voter SAVE Act. ACLU
10. The House Passed the SAVE Act and Sent It to the Senate. Distractify