Mike Johnson slams Democrats over SAVE Act, says only one joined GOP in ‘bitter partisan fight’

WASHINGTON, DC: House Republicans advanced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act on Wednesday, February 11, clearing the legislation in the House while sharpening a partisan fight over voting rules and setting up a difficult path in the Senate.

The bill passed in a narrow 218–213 vote, with Speaker Mike Johnson framing the measure as a fulfillment of campaign promises and criticizing the lack of Democratic support. Johnson said Republicans were acting in line with public demand for tighter election safeguards while accusing Democrats of opposing what he described as common-sense reforms.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where Republicans are weighing how to overcome procedural hurdles and internal divisions to move it forward.

Mike Johnson defends SAVE Act election bill

Speaking after the vote, Speaker Johnson said the legislation reflected the will of voters and stressed the lack of bipartisan support. “We had only one House Democrat participate with us tonight,” Johnson said. “This has become a bitter partisan fight, and it’s madness to us.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference on February 11, 2026 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)

Johnson argued that election integrity is essential to maintaining the constitutional system and said the bill focuses narrowly on enforcement. “All the SAVE America Act does is it enhances this… requirement that you have proof of citizenship before you register to vote in federal elections,” he said, adding that the measure also includes “the very common sense requirement that you have a photo ID if you’re going to vote.”

He said opposition to the bill came from those who want to “cheat our system” and participate in elections “illegally, unlawfully,” remarks that Democrats strongly dispute.

SAVE Act mandates proof of citizenship, voter ID

The SAVE America Act would require individuals to present proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and to show photo identification when casting a ballot.

Mail-in voters would need to submit a photocopy of a state-issued ID or an affidavit explaining why they cannot obtain one, along with the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Republicans say the provisions reflect broad public support for voter ID requirements, citing polling that shows strong approval. Democrats counter that documented cases of noncitizen voting are rare and warn that the bill could restrict access to the ballot.

Only Rep Henry Cuellar of Texas voted with Republicans, after four moderate Democrats had supported an earlier version of the bill that did not include a voter ID requirement.

Senate faces pressure over SAVE Act vote

With the bill advancing, conservatives are debating how to force Senate consideration. Rep Keith Self of Texas said President Donald Trump should use his influence to pressure senators. 

“The president has to bring every possible weapon he has to this fight to get the Senate to move,” Self said. Other ideas include reviving a “talking filibuster,” attaching the bill to must-pass legislation, or launching a public pressure campaign. Rep Anna Paulina Luna of Florida has floated linking the measure to upcoming funding or reauthorization bills.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he supports bringing the bill to the floor but acknowledged there is not enough support to bypass the 60-vote threshold. He has also expressed concern about the cost of tying up the chamber with a prolonged filibuster fight.

The measure does not have unanimous Republican support in the Senate. Sen Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she opposes the bill, arguing it would federalize elections, a position Republicans have traditionally resisted.

Despite the obstacles, Johnson said House Republicans would continue pressing the issue. “We’re going to do everything we can to make that happen and get it to the president’s desk,” he said, adding that election integrity remains a top priority for both House leadership and the White House.