GOP Orders Thune To Step Up
Republican lawmakers are intensifying their push for election integrity legislation after Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to bring the SAVE America Act to the Senate floor without further delay.
Speaking Tuesday on Newsmax’s Ed Henry’s The Big Take, Ogles argued that Senate Republicans have a responsibility to act on one of President Donald Trump’s top legislative priorities before lawmakers leave Washington for the August recess.
According to Ogles, House Republicans have already done their part by approving multiple versions of the legislation, leaving the Senate with several opportunities to move the proposal forward.
House Republicans Say Their Work Is Finished
Ogles emphasized that the House has repeatedly passed election integrity legislation this Congress, giving senators more than one legislative vehicle to consider.
He argued that the Senate no longer has a reason to postpone action, saying lawmakers have already provided multiple versions of the bill for consideration.
The Tennessee congressman maintained that Republicans campaigned on strengthening election security and should now deliver on those promises.
Public Support Remains Strong, Ogles Says
Ogles also pointed to what he believes is broad public support for requiring proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
He referenced an online poll he posted on X that drew tens of thousands of responses within a day, saying the results showed overwhelming backing for the proposal.
The congressman further cited national polling that he said found support across political affiliations, including Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters.
According to Ogles, requiring documentary proof of citizenship is an issue that resonates with Americans regardless of political background.
Trump Allies Want the Senate to Stay in Session
During the interview, host Ed Henry noted that President Donald Trump, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and several conservative senators have urged Senate leadership to cancel the chamber’s August recess until lawmakers vote on the SAVE America Act.
Supporters argue the legislation represents one of the Republican Party’s most significant election reform proposals and should receive immediate consideration.
Many conservatives believe delaying the measure would send the wrong message to voters who made election security a major issue during the 2024 campaign.
What the SAVE America Act Would Do
Backers of the SAVE America Act say the legislation would require prospective voters in federal elections to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship before registering.
Backers argue the measure would strengthen election integrity, prevent non-citizens from registering to vote, and increase public confidence in the nation’s election system.
Opponents have argued that existing laws already prohibit non-citizens from voting in federal elections and have raised concerns that additional documentation requirements could make voter registration more difficult for some eligible citizens.
The House has approved multiple versions of the legislation during the current Congress, but the Senate has not yet scheduled a floor vote.
Ogles Questions Senate Leadership
As the debate continues, Ogles delivered his sharpest criticism of Senate leadership.
He argued that the Senate has exhausted its reasons for delaying action and said Majority Leader John Thune should either schedule a vote on the SAVE America Act or allow another Republican leader willing to advance the legislation to take charge.
The comments reflect growing frustration among conservatives who believe election integrity should remain one of Congress’ highest priorities.
What’s Next?
Attention now turns to Senate Republicans and whether leadership will bring the SAVE America Act to the floor before lawmakers begin their August recess.
With President Trump, House Republicans, and several conservative senators publicly urging action, the legislation is expected to remain a central issue in Washington as Republicans continue pressing for election reforms ahead of future federal elections.
