H.R. 22: SAVE Act · WHAT THE LAW DOIN

AI-drafted · 0 of 2 human reviewsBill text used: As passed by the House (April 10, 2025) · updated Oct 26, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. Because this bill is high-profile, two people with different politics must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

Sourced

The bill would make people show papers proving they are U.S. citizens when they register to vote in federal elections.
3
the State shall not accept and process an application to register to vote in an election for Federal office unless the applicant presents documentary proof of United States citizenship with the application[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(3) → inserted (b)
Today, people swear on the form that they are citizens, but they do not have to show documents.
13
contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement[13] 52 U.S.C. 20508, U.S. Code 2024 edition (federal mail registration form) · (b)(2)requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury[13] 52 U.S.C. 20508, U.S. Code 2024 edition (federal mail registration form) · (b)(2)(C)
People who register by mail would have to bring their proof to an election office in person.
3
the applicant presents documentary proof of United States citizenship in person to the office of the appropriate election official[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(4) → inserted (e)(1)(A)
The House passed it on April 10, 2025. The Senate has not acted on it.
1
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 22 · Actions, 2025-04-102025-04-10 | Senate | Received in the Senate.[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 22 · Actions, 2025-04-10

What it would mean for you

Sourced

If you register to vote after it became law

You would need proof of citizenship

A U.S. passport would work on its own.
3
A valid United States passport.[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)(2)
So would a REAL ID or other government photo ID, but only if it shows you are a citizen or were born in the United States.
3
that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)(1)showing that the applicant’s place of birth was in the United States[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)(4)
Otherwise, you would bring a photo ID plus another document, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
3
but only if presented together with one or more of the following[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)(5)A certified birth certificate[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)(5)(A)A Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)(5)(E)

If you register by mail or at the DMV

The paper or DMV form alone would not be enough

If you mail in a form, you would not be registered until you show your proof in person by your state's deadline.
3
in person to the office of the appropriate election official not later than the deadline provided by State law[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(4) → inserted (e)(1)(A)
In states with same-day registration, you could show it at the polling place.
3
the applicant presents documentary proof of United States citizenship to the appropriate election official at the polling place[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(4) → inserted (e)(1)(B)
A driver's license application would still count as a voter registration application, but only after the citizenship rules are met.
3
Subject to the requirements under section 8(j), each State motor vehicle driver's license application[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(1)

If your name has changed, or your papers don't match

States would have to create a fix, but the bill does not spell it out

Each state would have to set up a way to show extra documents when your papers do not match.
3
each State shall establish a process under which an applicant can provide such additional documentation[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(2)(B)
The bill does not list which extra documents count, so that would vary by state.
3
such additional documentation to the appropriate election official of the State as may be necessary to establish that the applicant is a citizen[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(2)(B)

If you are already registered

The new proof rule is for new applications

The rules apply to applications submitted on or after the day the bill becomes law.
3
shall apply with respect to applications for voter registration which are submitted on or after such date[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 8
States would have to remove anyone from the rolls once they get proof the person is not a citizen.
3
upon receipt of documentation or verified information that a registrant is not a United States citizen[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (k)

If you work in an election office

Officials could face lawsuits and criminal charges

Registering someone who did not show proof would become a federal crime.
3
registering an applicant to vote in an election for Federal office who fails to present documentary proof of United States citizenship[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(j)(3) → inserted (C)
The penalty in that law is up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both.
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or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both[8] 52 U.S.C. 20511, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · Penalty
People could also sue over it in federal court.
3
including the act of an election official who registers an applicant to vote in an election for Federal office who fails to present documentary proof[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(i)

What this bill does not do

Sourced

It changes registration rules, not voting itself, so it does not add an ID check when you cast a ballot.
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To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Official title
It covers federal elections only.
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a State may not register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(1)
It keeps your right to cast a provisional ballot.
3
Nothing in this Act or in any amendment made by this Act may be construed to supercede, restrict, or otherwise affect the ability of an individual to cast a provisional ballot[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 6
It is already a federal crime for a noncitizen to vote in a federal election.
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It shall be unlawful for any alien to vote in any election held solely or in part for the purpose of electing a candidate for the office of President[14] 18 U.S.C. 611, U.S. Code 2024 edition (voting by noncitizens) · (a)

Current law vs. the bill

Sourced

Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

52 U.S.C. 20508(b)(2), federal registration formChanges what the form asks for

Current law

specifies each eligibility requirement (including citizenship)
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specifies each eligibility requirement (including citizenship)[13] 52 U.S.C. 20508, U.S. Code 2024 edition (federal mail registration form) · (b)(2)(A)

Today the form lists citizenship as a requirement, and the applicant signs under penalty of perjury.

The bill

by striking (including citizenship) and inserting (including an explanation of what is required to present documentary proof of United States citizenship)
3
by striking (including citizenship) and inserting (including an explanation of what is required to present documentary proof of United States citizenship)[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(h)(1)(A)

In plain words: The form would explain what papers you must show, not just ask you to swear.

(including an explanation of what is required to present documentary proof of United States citizenship)[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(h)(1)(A)

52 U.S.C. 20503, registration methodsAdds a new subsection

Current law

each State shall establish procedures to register to vote in elections for Federal office
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each State shall establish procedures to register to vote in elections for Federal office[4] 52 U.S.C. 20503, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · (a)

Current law lists the ways states must offer registration, with no document requirement.

The bill

Under any method of voter registration in a State, the State shall not accept and process an application to register to vote in an election for Federal office unless the applicant presents documentary proof of United States citizenship with the application.
3
Under any method of voter registration in a State, the State shall not accept and process an application to register to vote in an election for Federal office unless the applicant presents documentary proof of United States citizenship with the application.[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(3) → inserted (b)

In plain words: Every way of registering would require proof of citizenship.

Under any method of voter registration in a State[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(b)(3) → inserted (b)

52 U.S.C. 20505(a)(1), mail registrationAdds a condition

Current law

Each State shall accept and use the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the Federal Election Commission
6
Each State shall accept and use the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the Federal Election Commission[6] 52 U.S.C. 20505, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · (a)(1)

The bill

by striking Each State shall accept and use and inserting Subject to the requirements under section 8(j), each State shall accept and use
3
by striking Each State shall accept and use and inserting Subject to the requirements under section 8(j), each State shall accept and use[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(1)(A)

In plain words: States would still accept the mail form, but the person must also show proof in person.

in person to the office of the appropriate election official[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(4) → inserted (e)(1)(A)

52 U.S.C. 20504(a)(1), registration at the DMVAdds a condition

Current law

Each State motor vehicle driver's license application (including any renewal application) submitted to the appropriate State motor vehicle authority under State law shall serve as an application for voter registration
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Each State motor vehicle driver's license application (including any renewal application) submitted to the appropriate State motor vehicle authority under State law shall serve as an application for voter registration[5] 52 U.S.C. 20504, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · (a)(1)

The bill

Subject to the requirements under section 8(j), each State motor vehicle driver's license application
3
Subject to the requirements under section 8(j), each State motor vehicle driver's license application[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(1)

In plain words: A DMV application would only register you if the proof rule is met.

verify that the applicant is a citizen of the United States[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(c)(3)(C) → inserted (iii)

52 U.S.C. 20511, criminal penaltiesAdds new crimes

Current law

A person, including an election official, who in any election for Federal office
8
A person, including an election official, who in any election for Federal office[8] 52 U.S.C. 20511, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · Opening text

The bill

registering an applicant to vote in an election for Federal office who fails to present documentary proof of United States citizenship
3
registering an applicant to vote in an election for Federal office who fails to present documentary proof of United States citizenship[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(j)(3) → inserted (C)

In plain words: Officials who register someone without proof could be charged.

registering an applicant to vote in an election for Federal office who fails to present documentary proof[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(j)(3) → inserted (C)

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Sourced

Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

The list of papers that count is written into the bill.
3
the term documentary proof of United States citizenship means[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)
Mail registrants must show proof in person, and it applies to new applications from the first day.
3
in person to the office of the appropriate election official[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(d)(4) → inserted (e)(1)(A)shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 8
Federal agencies get 24 hours to answer a state's question.
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not later than 24 hours after receipt of such request[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(5)(A)

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

Each state decides how people without papers can prove citizenship another way, with guidance from the Election Assistance Commission.
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Subject to any relevant guidance adopted by the Election Assistance Commission, each State shall establish a process[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(2)(A)(i)
Each state also decides how to handle papers that don't match, such as a changed last name.
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each State shall establish a process under which an applicant can provide such additional documentation[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(2)(B)
States choose which data sources to use to find noncitizens, such as Homeland Security's SAVE system or Social Security records.
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using information supplied by one or more of the following sources[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(4)The Department of Homeland Security through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(4)(A)

Section by section

Sourced

Sec. 1 Short title: Names the bill the SAVE Act.
3
or the SAVE Act[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2 Proof of citizenship to register: Lists the papers that count as proof of citizenship.
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the term documentary proof of United States citizenship means, with respect to an applicant for voter registration, any of the following[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(a)(2) → inserted (b)
Bars states from registering anyone for federal elections without that proof.
3
a State may not register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office held in the State unless[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(1)
Makes states set up ways to help people who lack papers or whose papers do not match.
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each State shall establish a process under which an applicant who cannot provide documentary proof[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(2)(A)(i)in the event of a discrepancy[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(2)(B)
Requires states to start a program to find noncitizens on their rolls within 30 days.
3
not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(3)
Makes federal agencies answer a state's citizenship question within 24 hours, for free.
3
not later than 24 hours after receipt of such request[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(5)(A)may not charge a fee[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(5)(E)
Adds criminal penalties and lawsuits against officials who register people without proof.
3
registering an applicant to vote in an election for Federal office who fails to present documentary proof[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(j)(3) → inserted (C)Private right of action[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(i)
Sec. 3 Guidance: The Election Assistance Commission must send states guidance within 10 days.
3
Not later than 10 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Election Assistance Commission shall adopt and transmit[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 3
Sec. 4 Paperwork rules: New registration forms skip the usual federal paperwork review.
3
shall not apply with respect to the development or modification of voter registration materials[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 4
Sec. 5 New citizens: Homeland Security must tell state election officials when someone becomes a citizen.
3
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promptly provide notice of such information to the appropriate chief election official[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 5
Sec. 6–8 Limits and start date: It protects provisional ballots and takes effect right away for new applications.
3
cast a provisional ballot[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 6shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 8

What changed between versions

Sourced

ih → eh

No changes to the wording.

Version codes: ih/is = as introduced, rh/rs = as reported by committee, eh/es = as passed by one chamber, enr = final text sent to the President.

Cost

Sourced

The official bill record lists no Congressional Budget Office cost estimate for this bill.
1
Official bill status record for HR 22[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 22 · Bill status record
The bill bars federal agencies from charging states for citizenship checks.
3
The head of a Federal department or agency may not charge a fee for responding to a State’s request[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(5)(E)

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

The House passed the bill 220 to 208.
1
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102).[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 22 · Actions, 2025-04-10
The White House said it strongly supports the bill.
11
strongly supports passage[11] Statement of Administration Policy on H.R. 22 (April 8, 2025) · Statement of Administration Policy, April 8, 2025
In the Senate, ending debate on a bill takes three-fifths of senators, so it would need votes from both parties.
15
Required for Majority: 3/5[15] Senate roll call 110 (March 6, 2025), an example of a cloture vote and its three-fifths requirement · Senate roll call 110
The Senate Majority Leader has said there are not enough votes to change that rule.
12
We don't have 51 votes for that in the United States Senate[12] NPR, "Under pressure from President Trump, can the filibuster survive 2026?" (April 14, 2026) · NPR, April 14, 2026

Balance of power

The bill sets a national proof standard for registration, a job that each state's own rules handle today.
3
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a State may not register an individual[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(1)
It requires federal agencies to share citizenship data with states, and tells Homeland Security to look into deporting noncitizens it finds.
3
any head of a Federal department or agency possessing information relevant to determining the eligibility of an individual[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(5)(A)The Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct an investigation to determine whether to initiate removal proceedings[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(f)(3) → inserted (j)(5)(D)

Coalitions

Every Republican who voted supported it, along with 4 Democrats.
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Republican: Yeas 216, Nays 0[10] House roll call 102 (April 10, 2025), Clerk of the House · Clerk party totalsDemocratic: Yeas 4, Nays 208[10] House roll call 102 (April 10, 2025), Clerk of the House · Clerk party totals
The 4 Democrats were Reps. Case, Cuellar, Golden, and Perez.
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Democrats voting Yea: Case, Cuellar, Golden (ME), Perez[10] House roll call 102 (April 10, 2025), Clerk of the House · ClerkDemocratic: Yeas 4[10] House roll call 102 (April 10, 2025), Clerk of the House · Clerk party totals

Precedent

Federal law has required a sworn statement of citizenship on registration forms since the National Voter Registration Act.
13
specifies each eligibility requirement (including citizenship)[13] 52 U.S.C. 20508, U.S. Code 2024 edition (federal mail registration form) · (b)(2)
This bill would be the first federal rule requiring documents, not just a signed promise.
3
by striking (including citizenship) and inserting (including an explanation of what is required to present documentary proof of United States citizenship)[3] H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Sec. 2(h)(1)(A)

The strongest case on each side

For

Noncitizens on the rolls hurt trust in elections, and requiring proof at registration will help restore it.
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Noncitizen voting reduces confidence in our elections.[9] Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · H1571
Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), chairman, House Administration Committee
A law already bans noncitizen voting, but laws only work when they are enforced.
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It is also illegal to evade Border Patrol and cross the border illegally into the United States of America, but enforcement matters.[9] Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · H1576
Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI)
Women who changed their names can still register, because the bill makes states create a process for that.
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the SAVE Act explicitly directs States to establish a process for them to register to vote, irrespective of those discrepancies[9] Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · H1573
Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL)

Against

Requiring papers in person would end registration by mail as people know it.
9
The SAVE Act would end mail-in registration.[9] Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · H1571
Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY), top Democrat, House Administration Committee
Citizens already swear they are eligible under penalty of perjury, and the new rule would make it harder for them to register.
9
Federal law already requires people to attest under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens when they register to vote.[9] Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · H1574
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
Women whose birth certificate shows a different last name would need more papers that the bill does not name.
9
She would have to get an additional piece of documentation to register, which is not identified in the SAVE Act.[9] Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · H1575
Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY)

Our prediction

Analysis

H.R. 22 will not become law before the 119th Congress ends.

Made Oct 26, 2026 · we'll check by Jan 3, 2027 · status: open

The bill has had no Senate action since it was received there.
1
2025-04-10 | Senate | Received in the Senate.[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 22 · Actions
Ending debate in the Senate takes three-fifths of senators.
15
Required for Majority: 3/5[15] Senate roll call 110 (March 6, 2025), an example of a cloture vote and its three-fifths requirement · Senate roll call 110
The Senate Majority Leader said there are not enough votes to change that rule.
12
We don't have 51 votes for that in the United States Senate[12] NPR, "Under pressure from President Trump, can the filibuster survive 2026?" (April 14, 2026) · NPR, April 14, 2026

See every prediction we've made and how they turned out →

Did this make sense?

Sourced

Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. What would the bill require to register for federal elections?

2. If you register by mail, what else would you have to do?

3. Does the bill require people who are already registered to register again?

How this was checked

Sourced

Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
CBO: No CBO estimate exists for this bill, so there is nothing to cross-check.
Committee section-by-section: Not available: the bill went to the House floor without a committee report.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one →

Sources

Sourced

Official bill status record for H.R. 22 · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
H.R. 22 as introduced (Jan. 3, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
H.R. 22 as passed by the House (Apr. 10, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
52 U.S.C. 20503, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
52 U.S.C. 20504, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
52 U.S.C. 20505, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
52 U.S.C. 20507, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
52 U.S.C. 20511, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
Congressional Record, House debate, April 10, 2025 (H1569) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
House roll call 102 (April 10, 2025), Clerk of the House · Roll call vote · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
Statement of Administration Policy on H.R. 22 (April 8, 2025) · White House statement · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
NPR, "Under pressure from President Trump, can the filibuster survive 2026?" (April 14, 2026) · News or advocacy · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
52 U.S.C. 20508, U.S. Code 2024 edition (federal mail registration form) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
18 U.S.C. 611, U.S. Code 2024 edition (voting by noncitizens) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
Senate roll call 110 (March 6, 2025), an example of a cloture vote and its three-fifths requirement · Roll call vote · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation

Official summary

Sourced

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE Act

This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship.

Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.

Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources.

Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.

The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 3, 2025).

What has happened

Sourced

2025-04-10Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 208 (Roll no. 102). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
2025-01-03Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 19 recorded actions

Recorded votes

Sourced

Apr 10, 2025 · House roll call 101 · needed 1/2

On Motion to Recommit: Failed 211–215

R 0 yes, 215 no, 5 present or not votingD 211 yes, 0 no, 2 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Apr 10, 2025 · House roll call 102 · needed 1/2

On Passage: Passed 220–208

R 216 yes, 0 no, 4 present or not votingD 4 yes, 208 no, 1 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

Rep. Rick W. Allen R-GA-12
Rep. Jodey C. Arrington R-TX-19
Rep. Brian Babin R-TX-36
Rep. James R. Baird R-IN-4
Rep. Stephanie I. Bice R-OK-5
Rep. Andy Biggs R-AZ-5
Rep. Sheri Biggs R-SC-3
Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis R-FL-12
Rep. Lauren Boebert R-CO-4
Rep. Mike Bost R-IL-12
Rep. Josh Brecheen R-OK-2
Rep. Eric Burlison R-MO-7
Rep. Kat Cammack R-FL-3
Rep. Ben Cline R-VA-6
Rep. Michael Cloud R-TX-27
Rep. Andrew S. Clyde R-GA-9
Rep. Mike Collins R-GA-10
Rep. Elijah Crane R-AZ-2
Rep. Jeff Crank R-CO-5
Rep. Dan Crenshaw R-TX-2
Rep. Byron Donalds R-FL-19
Rep. Troy Downing R-MT-2
Rep. Neal P. Dunn R-FL-2
Rep. Chuck Edwards R-NC-11
Rep. Jake Ellzey R-TX-6
Rep. Tom Emmer R-MN-6
Rep. Ron Estes R-KS-4
Rep. Pat Fallon R-TX-4
Rep. Randy Feenstra R-IA-4
Rep. Randy Fine R-FL-6
Rep. Brad Finstad R-MN-1
Rep. Michelle Fischbach R-MN-7
Rep. Russ Fulcher R-ID-1
Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino R-NY-2
Rep. Craig Goldman R-TX-12
Rep. Lance Gooden R-TX-5
Rep. Paul A. Gosar R-AZ-9
Rep. Mark E. Green R-TN-7
Rep. Harriet M. Hageman R-WY
Rep. Abraham Hamadeh R-AZ-8
Rep. Mike Haridopolos R-FL-8
Rep. Andy Harris R-MD-1
Rep. Mark Harris R-NC-8
Rep. Diana Harshbarger R-TN-1
Rep. Clay Higgins R-LA-3
Rep. Ashley Hinson R-IA-2
Rep. Erin Houchin R-IN-9
Rep. Bill Huizenga R-MI-4
Rep. Wesley Hunt R-TX-38
Rep. Brian Jack R-GA-3
Rep. Ronny Jackson R-TX-13
Rep. John Joyce R-PA-13
Rep. Mike Kelly R-PA-16
Rep. Kevin Kiley R-CA-3
Rep. Brad Knott R-NC-13
Rep. Darin LaHood R-IL-16
Rep. Nick LaLota R-NY-1
Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy R-NY-23
Rep. Michael Lawler R-NY-17
Rep. Laurel M. Lee R-FL-15
Rep. Barry Loudermilk R-GA-11
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna R-FL-13
Rep. Nancy Mace R-SC-1
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis R-NY-11
Rep. Michael T. McCaul R-TX-10
Rep. Tom McClintock R-CA-5
Rep. Richard McCormick R-GA-7
Rep. Addison P. McDowell R-NC-6
Rep. John McGuire R-VA-5
Rep. Mark B. Messmer R-IN-8
Rep. Daniel Meuser R-PA-9
Rep. Mary E. Miller R-IL-15
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks R-IA-1
Rep. Cory Mills R-FL-7
Rep. John R. Moolenaar R-MI-2
Rep. Riley Moore R-WV-2
Rep. Tim Moore R-NC-14
Rep. Barry Moore R-AL-2
Rep. Nathaniel Moran R-TX-1
Rep. Gregory F. Murphy R-NC-3
Rep. Troy E. Nehls R-TX-22
Rep. Ralph Norman R-SC-5
Rep. Andrew Ogles R-TN-5
Rep. Burgess Owens R-UT-4
Rep. Gary J. Palmer R-AL-6
Rep. Jimmy Patronis R-FL-1
Rep. Scott Perry R-PA-10
Rep. August Pfluger R-TX-11
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler R-PA-14
Rep. John W. Rose R-TN-6
Rep. David Rouzer R-NC-7
Rep. Keith Self R-TX-3
Rep. Pete Sessions R-TX-17
Rep. Pete Stauber R-MN-8
Rep. Elise M. Stefanik R-NY-21
Rep. Dale W. Strong R-AL-5
Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman R-IN-3
Rep. David J. Taylor R-OH-2
Rep. Claudia Tenney R-NY-24
Rep. Glenn Thompson R-PA-15
Rep. Thomas P. Tiffany R-WI-7
Rep. William R. Timmons R-SC-4
Rep. Jefferson Van Drew R-NJ-2
Rep. Beth Van Duyne R-TX-24
Rep. Randy K. Sr. Weber R-TX-14
Rep. Daniel Webster R-FL-11
Rep. Bruce Westerman R-AR-4
Rep. Roger Williams R-TX-25
Rep. Joe Wilson R-SC-2
Rep. Steve Womack R-AR-3