House Passes Rules Resolution Attaching Voter ID and Citizenship Proof Requirements to State Department Funding Bill

The U.S. House passed a special rules resolution by a 215-211 vote on July 14 that attaches the SAVE America Act to a fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill funding the State Department and national security programs. The SAVE America Act requires proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.

The same resolution also advances legislation making daylight saving time permanent and a measure on veterans’ benefits. House Republicans are moving forward with a plan to pass the SAVE America Act as part of a budget bill that would allocate up to $10 billion for election-related purposes.

The measure would direct the bulk of its funding to the Pentagon to offset Iran war losses and provide $12 billion in farm assistance.

The plan would use grants to incentivize states to enact voter ID requirements, documentary proof of citizenship requirements, and limits on mail-in voting. Vice President JD Vance stated after a meeting with House Republicans that the legislation aims to advance the SAVE America Act while supporting troops and farmers. The measure now moves to the Senate.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) said he would refuse to vote for the larger budget bill if it includes elements of SAVE and warned he would slow other legislative business. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Missouri) said the current approach is not enough if it contains weak language.

Republicans aim to pass the budget bill before the chamber leaves for August recess on July 23.