House Speaker Mike Johnson Pushes Strategy to Advance SAVE America Act Through Defense Bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has unveiled a procedural strategy aimed at advancing the SAVE America Act by linking the election-related legislation to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), one of Congress’s annual must-pass bills.
The proposal follows internal disagreements among House Republicans after several conservative lawmakers delayed routine legislative business while pressing leadership to take additional action on the SAVE America Act. The House previously approved the measure in February. The legislation would require individuals registering to vote in federal elections to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and would establish voter identification requirements for casting ballots.
Speaking with reporters, Johnson said House leaders intend to use a parliamentary procedure commonly referred to as “MIRVing,” which would combine the SAVE America Act with the NDAA under a single procedural rule before consideration on the House floor.
Johnson explained that Republican members voting for the rule would also be voting to attach the election legislation to the defense bill, sending both measures to the Senate as a unified legislative package. Supporters argue the strategy demonstrates the House majority’s commitment to advancing election security while moving forward with critical defense legislation.
The proposal, however, faces significant procedural and political challenges. Even if the combined package passes the House, the Senate could remove the election provisions during its consideration of the NDAA. Some lawmakers have also expressed concern that combining the measures could complicate or delay passage of the annual defense authorization bill.
Within the Republican conference, reactions have been mixed. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) questioned the effectiveness of the strategy, arguing that the Senate could still remove the election provisions. She has suggested incorporating the legislation directly into the text of the NDAA through amendments rather than relying on a procedural attachment.
Other Republicans have taken a more measured approach. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said members would need to review the proposal before deciding whether to support it, while House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) expressed support for efforts to move the legislation forward.
Democrats continue to oppose the SAVE America Act, arguing that its voter registration requirements could create unnecessary barriers to voting. Republicans, meanwhile, maintain that the measure is intended to strengthen election integrity by ensuring that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections.
As negotiations continue, both the fate of the SAVE America Act and the National Defense Authorization Act remain uncertain, with congressional leaders expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks.
