The legislation would also ensure states appropriately maintain voter rolls by removing non-citizens from existing voter rolls.
Require states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls for federal elections.
Occurrences
The Federal Government has an unavoidable duty under Article II of the Constitution of the United States to enforce Federal law, which includes preventing violations of Federal criminal law and maintaining public confidence in election outcomes. ... The Attorney General shall prioritize the investigation and, as appropriate, the prosecution of State and local officials or any others involved in the administration of Federal elections who issue Federal ballots to individuals not eligible to vote in a Federal election...
Evidence
The SAVE America Act will boost confidence by requiring proof of citizenship to register and a photo ID to vote.
Sen. Johnson joined Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Eli Crane in a bicameral comment letter in support of a petition by the America First Legal Foundation to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
I was happy to cosponsor the SAVE Act in the Senate. This legislation aimed to secure our elections by requiring proof of citizenship to vote. It passed in the House, but not the Senate.
The SAVE America Act builds on this legislation by also requiring individuals to present a photo ID to vote in a federal election.
Earlier this week, at President Trump’s request, the Senate began consideration of the SAVE America Act in a marathon debate session.
On April 21, 2026, the U.S. Senate ceased debate on the SAVE America Act (S. 1383), effectively stalling and failing the legislation amidst bipartisan opposition.
On March 12, 2026, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans to bring the SAVE America Act to the Senate floor for debate, emphasizing its provisions for proof of citizenship and voter ID requirements.
On February 16, 2026, Senator Ron Johnson expressed strong support for the SAVE America Act, advocating for its passage to require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for voting.
On March 19, 2026, Senator Dick Durbin criticized the SAVE America Act, stating it would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters by imposing extreme voting requirements.
On March 18, 2026, FactCheck.org provided an analysis of the SAVE America Act, detailing its requirements for proof of citizenship and photo ID for voting, and noting the challenges it faced in the Senate.
On March 17, 2026, the U.S. Senate voted 51-48 to begin debate on the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship for new voters, amidst significant opposition.
On March 18, 2026, Senator Bill Hagerty urged the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act, emphasizing its importance in ensuring only American citizens vote in elections.
On March 16, 2026, the National Association of Counties reported that the Senate was set to vote on the SAVE America Act, highlighting its potential major impacts on county election administration.
Sen. Padilla said Republicans’ efforts to include the SAVE Act in their reconciliation bill were defeated; Graham’s amendment failed 48-50 and Lee’s failed 49-50.
The Senate floor log records: 'Not invoked, 53-47' on cloture for Husted amendment #4732 tied to the House message accompanying S.1383, the SAVE America Act.
On June 5, 2026, Senator Padilla said Senate Democrats defeated Republican attempts to attach SAVE Act provisions to a reconciliation bill. He said Graham's amendment failed 48-50 and Lee's failed 49-50, both short of the 60 votes needed.
Axios reported on June 18 that Trump was still pressing the SAVE America Act, but Senate Republicans said it was not going to happen and the votes were not there.
Assessments
Johnson materially supported the policy by backing and cosponsoring the SAVE Act/SAVE America Act and publicly urging its passage, which counts as a serious legislative effort. But the promised federal requirement was not enacted. The evidence shows the Senate only debated the measure and related amendments, then failed to advance them in March-June 2026, including failed cloture and failed amendment votes. Because the outcome was not delivered during his term despite a substantial attempt, this is best scored as never with an effort badge.
Ron Johnson materially supported and co-sponsored the SAVE Act/SAVE America Act, which sought proof-of-citizenship and related election requirements, but the measure did not become law. Senate action in March-April 2026 stalled and failed, so no federal requirement was enacted to force states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls for federal elections.
Despite actively co-sponsoring, advocating for, and helping to advance the SAVE America Act—which contained provisions to require states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls for federal elections—the legislation ultimately failed in the Senate during the same term. The record demonstrates a serious legislative effort, but the promise was not fulfilled.
Senator Ron Johnson actively supported and co-sponsored legislation (the SAVE America Act) that would have required states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls for federal elections. He also engaged in related advocacy and coalition-building. However, the SAVE America Act did not become law, as it failed to pass the Senate despite passing the House. Therefore, although there was significant legislative effort, the specific promise was not delivered.