U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke on the Senate floor today to promote the SAVE America Act, a bill he recently introduced with Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Chip Roy (TX-21). The legislation would require individuals to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote and present photo identification before voting in federal elections. It also aims to ensure that states remove non-citizens from voter rolls.
Cornyn addressed concerns about election integrity, stating: “When a ballot is cast by someone that is not qualified to vote in an election, it undermines the integrity of the ballot for the people who are qualified to vote.”
He responded to criticism regarding voter ID laws: “Every time we talk about voter I.D., the Left says we’re trying to disenfranchise minorities and the underrepresented, but that is not consistent with the facts.”
Cornyn argued that requiring proof of eligibility could impact Democratic voters, particularly in states with sanctuary policies. He said: “Democrats know that if you actually require people to show that they’re qualified to vote, their voter base will shrink, especially in sanctuary states that have been havens for illegal aliens for years.”
Expressing support for his colleagues’ efforts on this issue, Cornyn stated: “I’m thankful to our colleague, Senator Mike Lee of Utah, for introducing the SAVE America Act, that will require proof of citizenship at the time of registration, as well as photo identification at the time of voting.” He added: “I’m a proud cosponsor of the SAVE America Act, which I believe is long overdue to strengthen the integrity of our election systems.”
Cornyn called on Senate leadership to advance the bill: “I hope the U.S. Senate will take up and pass this legislation, and I and others have been discussing it with the Majority Leader.”
He concluded by encouraging public participation in elections: “Each and every one of us ought to do our part to participate in self-government by exercising our right to vote that so many have fought and died for. I urge each and every one of my constituents in Texas, but I would like to speak to all 330 million Americans: please, participate in your elections.” He continued: “Make a difference. Let your voice be heard. Participate in this incredible experiment, now we’ve had for 250 years in self-government that has served us so well.”
Senator Cornyn has held his seat since 2002 after defeating Ron Kirk with 55% of votes compared to Kirk’s 43%. In subsequent elections he defeated Rick Noriega (54.8% vs 42.8%) in 2008; David Alameel (61.6% vs 34.3%) in 2014; and MJ Hegar (53.5% vs 43.9%) in 2020.
