WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 1383 · 119th Congress

Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025

Passed SenateGovernment Operations and Politics
IntroducedApr 9, 2025
Passed SenateDec 18, 2025
Passed HouseFeb 11, 2026
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed Senate. Latest step, Mar 26, 2026: Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1647) The House passed it 218–213. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House.

What it does

Sourced

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act

This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification 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, a valid U.S. passport, or a valid government-issued photo identification card that shows the applicant's place of birth was in the United States.

Further, the bill (1) requires states to accept and process a voter registration application in the event of a name discrepancy in the applicant's documentation, as long as the applicant provides additional documentation; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.

Within 30 days of the bill's enactment, 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. Further, each state must submit its complete official list of eligible voters to the Department of Homeland Security for comparison with the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system, which is used to verify immigration status. Individuals who are identified as noncitizens must be given the opportunity to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

Read the whole official summary (531 words, about 2 min)

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

The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses.

The bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid physical photo identification.

An individual who does not present the required identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.

Further, an election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters or individuals provided the right to vote other than in person under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act.

State and local government officials must provide, to the extent practicable, public access to a digital imaging device for the purpose of allowing individuals to use the device at no cost to make a copy of their valid photo identification.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Passed House, Feb 11, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. Mar 26, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1647)Senate
  2. Mar 25, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1589)Senate
  3. Mar 24, 2026Motion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration the House message to accompany S. 1383 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 4772) made in Senate. (CR S1569-1570)Senate
  4. Mar 24, 2026Motion to table motion to refer to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration the House message to accompany S. 1383 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 4422) agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 47. Record Vote Number: 68. Roll call recordSenate
  5. Mar 24, 2026Motion to table the motion to suspend the operation of Rule XXV paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 47. Record Vote Number: 67. Roll call recordSenate
  6. Mar 24, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1561)Senate
  7. Mar 22, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1495)Senate
  8. Mar 21, 2026Cloture on the motion to suspend the operation of Rule XXV, paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 49. Record Vote Number: 61. (CR S1466) Roll call recordSenate
  9. Mar 21, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1461)Senate
  10. Mar 20, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1419)Senate
  11. Mar 19, 2026Cloture motion on the motion to suspend the operation of Rule XXV, paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 presented in Senate. (CR S1348)Senate
  12. Mar 19, 2026Motion by Senator Schumer to suspend the operation of Rule XXV paragraph (n)(1) to permit the committee on Rules and Administration to consider the pending motion with respect to the House message to accompany S. 1383 made in Senate.Senate
  13. Mar 19, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1314)Senate
  14. Mar 18, 2026Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S1159)Senate
  15. Mar 17, 2026Motion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration the House message to accompany S. 1383 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 4422) made in Senate. (CR S1067)Senate
  16. Mar 17, 2026Motion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1383 with an amendment (SA 4420) made in Senate. (CR S1067)Senate
  17. Mar 17, 2026Motion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1383 made in Senate. (CR S1067)Senate
  18. Mar 17, 2026Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1066-1088)Senate
  19. Mar 17, 2026Motion to proceed to consideration of the House message to accompany S. 1383 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 48. Record Vote Number: 57. Roll call recordSenate
  20. Feb 12, 2026Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.Senate
  21. Feb 11, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  22. Feb 11, 2026On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 213 (Roll no. 69). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2138-2141) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  23. Feb 11, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 213 (Roll no. 69). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  24. Feb 11, 2026On motion to commit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 217 (Roll no. 68). Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  25. Feb 11, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2171-2172)House floor actions
  26. Feb 11, 2026POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on S. 1383, the Chair put the question on the motion to commit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Morelle demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.House floor actions
  27. Feb 11, 2026The previous question on the motion to commit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.House floor actions
  28. Feb 11, 2026Mr. Morelle moved to commit to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H2149)House floor actions
  29. Feb 11, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
  30. Feb 11, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 1383.House floor actions
  31. Feb 11, 2026Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.House floor actions
  32. Feb 11, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1057. (consideration: CR H2138-2149)House floor actions
  33. Feb 11, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.House floor actions
  34. Dec 19, 2025Held at the desk.House floor actions
  35. Dec 19, 2025Received in the House.House floor actions
  36. Dec 19, 2025Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
  37. Dec 18, 2025Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8894-8895; text: CR S8894-8895)Senate
  38. Dec 18, 2025Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  39. Dec 2, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 276.Senate
  40. Dec 2, 2025Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Senate
  41. Dec 2, 2025Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Library of Congress
  42. Jul 30, 2025Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
  43. May 21, 2025Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-86.Senate
  44. Apr 9, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
  45. Apr 9, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Feb 11, 2026 · HousePassed 218–213
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Passage · needed a majority
    R 217 yes, 0 noD 1 yes, 213 noEach member · Record
7 other recorded votes (procedure and amendments)
  1. Feb 11, 2026 · HouseFailed 214–217
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra no, Ashley Hinson no, Mariannette Miller-Meeks no, Zachary Nunn no
    On Motion to Commit · needed a majority
    R 0 yes, 217 noD 214 yes, 0 noEach member · Record
  2. Mar 17, 2026 · SenateMotion to Proceed Agreed to 51–48
    Iowa: Joni Ernst yes, Chuck Grassley yes
    On the Motion to Proceed · needed a majority
    R 51 yes, 1 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 noEach member · Record
  3. Mar 21, 2026 · SenateCloture Motion Rejected 49–41
    Iowa: Joni Ernst yes, Chuck Grassley yes
    On the Cloture Motion · needed three-fifths
    R 49 yes, 0 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 39 noEach member · Record
  4. Mar 21, 2026 · SenateCloture Motion Rejected 41–49
    Iowa: Joni Ernst no, Chuck Grassley no
    On the Cloture Motion · needed three-fifths
    R 0 yes, 49 noI 2 yes, 0 noD 39 yes, 0 noEach member · Record
  5. Mar 24, 2026 · SenateMotion to Table Agreed to 53–47
    Iowa: Joni Ernst yes, Chuck Grassley yes
    On the Motion to Table · needed a majority
    R 53 yes, 0 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 noEach member · Record
  6. Mar 24, 2026 · SenateMotion to Table Agreed to 53–47
    Iowa: Joni Ernst yes, Chuck Grassley yes
    On the Motion to Table · needed a majority
    R 53 yes, 0 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 noEach member · Record
  7. Mar 26, 2026 · SenateCloture Motion Rejected 53–47
    Iowa: Joni Ernst yes, Chuck Grassley yes
    On the Cloture Motion · needed three-fifths
    R 53 yes, 0 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Ashley Moody R-FL
  • Jerry Moran R-KS