Steve Scalise calls out Dems’ hypocrisy on SAVE Act: ‘You need ID to get into their own convention'

Steve Scalise mocked Democratic arguments that voter ID laws amount to suppression, calling their debate 'embarrassing'
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise sharply criticized Democrats over their opposition to the SAVE America Act, accusing them of hypocrisy during a heated House debate (Getty Images)
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise sharply criticized Democrats over their opposition to the SAVE America Act, accusing them of hypocrisy during a heated House debate (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise slammed Democrats’ stance on voter ID, calling out what he called their “hypocrisy” on the SAVE America Act.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep Chip Roy, would require documentary proof of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, for federal voter registration, aiming to ensure that only citizens are eligible to vote.

Steve Scalise highlights embarrassing debate by Democrats

U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) speaks during a news conference on February 11, 2026 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was joined by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) as well as other Republican members of Congress to speak about the passage of the SAVE America Act, an election bill backed by President Donald Trump that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and require photo identification at the ballot box. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
US. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) speaks during a news conference on February 11, 2026 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)

“The House of Representatives, led by Republicans, came together tonight and said, we will protect the sanctity of your vote,” Steve Scalise said. “And it's so important. You think about the military veteran who risked his life overseas to defend our freedoms. It comes back home, and his vote will be stolen if somebody's able to vote illegally. And it happens.”

Scalise noted his own experience with election fraud, “I come from a state where our elections commissioner was sent to federal prison. We all know it goes on, and how can you protect it?”

He called out Democrats’ debate on voter ID, dubbing it hypocritical: “When you listen to the arguments by the Democrats, it was some of the most embarrassing, hypocritical debate you could hear."

He added, "They're talking about voter suppression. Well, let me tell you, try getting on an airplane and flying home tonight without showing a picture ID. Try going into a bar without showing a picture ID. Try getting into the Democrat National Convention without showing an ID. They required it, the same Democrats that are saying things like Jim Crow, because they know it's common sense.”

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of secure elections, "If you want to have a secure operation in anything, and elections are the most important franchise we have in America to protect democracy, then yes, we had a really important vote.”

Steve Scalise calls attention to SAVE America Act voter protections

According to Press releases, Steve Scalise also discussed the SAVE America Act. He said, “You can't have anything more basic than protecting the right to vote. Because as we all fight to ensure that every person, 'one person, one vote' is the mantra.”

On voter fraud, he added, “But if somebody is stealing your vote, then they're nullifying your vote. Two basic requirements are in this bill, the SAVE America Act. One is to register to vote, you have to prove citizenship, real common sense legislation."

He emphasized the importance of the measure, saying, “Everybody understands what that means. They worked really hard to make sure that every state can still do the things that they do uniquely while allowing for that prevention of fraud measure. And then the other is when you vote, you have to show a picture ID.”

Scalise calls out Chuck Schumer on voter ID hypocrisy at party events

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Department of Homeland Security will shut down if congress doesn't pass legislation funding the agency by Friday. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Department of Homeland Security will shut down if congress doesn't pass legislation funding the agency by Friday (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Steve Scalise also criticized Democrats for opposing voter ID while requiring it at their own events. “As the Whip said, you look at some of the Democrats feigning outrage. As Chuck Schumer calls it, Jim Crow. Where was Chuck Schumer when you tried to get into the Democrat National Convention in 2024? Guess what?"

He continued, “Chuck Schumer made you show a picture ID to get into his own convention that he's calling Jim Crow. Is that what his new name is? You had Senator Ossoff just this weekend had a town hall meeting. Guess what you had to do to get into Senator Ossoff's town hall meeting? You had to show a picture ID.”

He concluded, “Americans get this. It's common sense that you have to show a picture ID to vote. Anybody that's against that is saying that they want rampant voter fraud.”

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