U.S. President Donald Trump vowed on social media on Sunday that he would not sign any additional legislation until Congress approves a voter bill that Democrats say would disenfranchise some voters.
Trump said passing the “Save America Act” “takes precedence over everything else” and must be done “immediately.”
“The hard-working Scott Pressler was on Fox & Friends talking about how to use the filibuster or talking filibuster to pass the Save America Act, an issue that 88% of voters care about. This needs to be done now. It supersedes everything else,” Trump said in a post on The Truth Society.
The Republican warned that he would not sign any other bills into law until Congress passes the Save America Act.
“Must be at the front of the line. I will not sign other bills as president, nor a watered-down version, until this bill is passed – Go for Gold: Voter ID and proof of citizenship must be shown: No mail-in ballots except for military reasons – Sickness, disability, travel: Ban male participation in female-ballot sports: Ban transgender children, don’t fail!!” he added.
What is the Save America Act?
Securing American Voters (SAVE) Act is a proposed law that would require proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, when registering to vote in federal elections.
Supporters argue it ensures the integrity of elections, while critics warn it could disenfranchise millions of people, particularly affecting naturalized citizens, minorities and married women who change their names.
Donald Trumppromote the bill, Backed by House Republicans and his most loyal supporters That puts new pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune as he tries to steer efforts inside and outside Congress around normal Senate procedures ahead of the midterm elections. Thune said he supports the legislation and his Republican conference is still debating how to pass it.
Federal law already requires voters in national elections to be U.S. citizens, but does not require documentation to register; however, they do risk prosecution by taking an oath to affirm their eligibility.
Experts say voter fraud is extremely rare and few non-citizens escape it. About 1 in 10 Americans do not have documentation proving they are citizens.
The legislation also requires states to share voter information with the Department of Homeland Security to verify the citizenship status of registered voters. That prompted objections from election officials, including some Republicans, because it could invade people’s privacy.
