WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to bring up the SAVE America Act to overhaul election laws nationwide, kicking off what’s expected to be a highly contentious debate on the floor.
The vote was 51-48, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, joining unified Democrats in opposition. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., didn’t vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has promised “an extended debate” on the legislation, which President Donald Trump has labeled his “No. 1 priority.” But it doesn’t have a viable path to pass in the Senate.
The legislation would require Americans to show proof of citizenship — passports or birth certificates — in person to register to vote. It would require voters to show photo identification to cast ballots, including by mail. And it would empower the Department of Homeland Security to flag suspected noncitizens to states for disqualification from voter rolls.
Because the House sent it as a “message,” the Senate could
...Keep reading this article on NBC News.
