In a separate development, House Republicans approved a fiscal year 2027 spending package that funds the State Department, national security programs and other federal priorities. The measure passed 217-209, with one Democrat joining Republicans in support and one Republican voting against it.
House leaders attached the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, to the funding legislation. The proposal would require people registering to vote in federal elections to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and would establish identification requirements for casting ballots.
President Donald Trump has described the election proposal as a major priority, arguing that it would strengthen confidence in federal elections and ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens participate. Critics, however, have raised concerns that the requirements could make voting more difficult for some eligible citizens.
The combined funding package now heads to the Senate, where the SAVE America Act faces an uncertain future. Reports suggest senators may remove the election provisions before approving the broader appropriations legislation, although House Republicans believe including the proposal will increase political pressure on the Senate to address it.
The House has already approved other spending measures this year, including legislation providing more than $2 billion for improvements to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and national cemeteries. Lawmakers also passed an agriculture funding bill that includes $1.16 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and additional measures related to tracking foreign ownership of American farmland.
Senate Republicans are now exploring procedural options that could allow at least portions of the SAVE America Act to remain part of the budget process while complying with Senate reconciliation rules.
