Mark Alford: Senate must pass SAVE America Act

(From Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

Valentine’s Day is usually about showing love and appreciation for the people who matter most. This year, it would be pretty sweet if Democrats showed just a little more love for the American people…and a lot less political theater.

This week, House Republicans passed the SAVE America Act, a commonsense bill designed to strengthen confidence in our elections and protect the integrity of every legal vote. Now the Senate must act swiftly and send it to President Trump’s desk.

Let me ask two straightforward questions:

Do you trust our elections? And do you believe only American citizens should vote in American elections?

Across Missouri’s Fourth District, I hear the same answer again and again: absolutely.

The SAVE America Act reflects that simple, reasonable expectation.

The bill requires proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, establishes clear photo identification standards for voting, and improves coordination between state and federal officials to help keep voter rolls accurate. This is not radical. It is not complicated. It is basic accountability. When Americans trust the process, our democracy is stronger. When they don’t, confidence erodes, and division grows.
Unfortunately, instead of working toward solutions that restore public trust, the Left chose to vote no and then claim the sky is falling. It would be refreshing, and yes in light of Valentine's Day, sweet, to see Washington Democrats spend less time grandstanding for headlines and more time standing up for the citizens they were elected to serve.

Here in Missouri, we already require identification to vote, and our elections remain both secure and accessible. This bill simply applies that same commonsense standard nationwide. The argument that asking for proof of citizenship is somehow unreasonable just doesn’t hold up. If you can get a ride to the polls, you can get a ride to obtain a photo ID. Millions of Americans do it every year without issue.

The Senate now faces a clear choice: act decisively to strengthen trust in our elections, or continue the cycle of delay and political posturing. So, as we celebrate what we love most, let’s also remember the responsibility we share to protect our republic. I proudly voted yes on the SAVE America Act because your vote deserves security, clarity, and respect!