House Passes Election Integrity Bill Barring Noncitizens from Voting, White House Opposes

In a significant move, the House passed a GOP election integrity bill aimed at preventing noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Chip Roy, received unanimous support from Republicans but faced opposition from most Democrats. The bill seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration, sparking a contentious debate on the House floor. Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of the bill, framing it as a critical decision for the future of American elections. Democrats criticized the GOP's focus on a perceived non-issue, arguing that instances of noncitizens voting are rare and unlikely to impact election outcomes significantly. The bill's passage in the House sets the stage for a showdown in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it is expected to face resistance or delay. The White House strongly opposed the GOP bill, labeling it redundant and potentially harmful to voter registration efforts. Despite the administration's stance, Rep. Roy dismissed the criticism, accusing the White House of neglecting the protection of American voters' rights. The bill's proponents, including Speaker Johnson, have framed it as a necessary measure to prevent noncitizens from influencing election results and have questioned Democrats' motives in opposing it. The SAVE Act, a product of discussions between Speaker Johnson and former President Trump, reflects ongoing concerns about election integrity leading up to the 2024 elections. The bill's passage in the House underscores the deep partisan divide on voting rights and election security, setting the stage for further debate and potential legislative battles in the Senate.