SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico House Republican leadership has sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urging immediate passage of the SAVE Act and calling for a standing filibuster if Senate Democrats attempt to block the legislation.
The lawmakers warned that continued failure to strengthen election safeguards will further erode public trust in the electoral process and threaten confidence in the foundation of the country itself.
House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong said the SAVE Act is necessary to restore faith in American elections before that trust is permanently damaged.
"Americans deserve to know their elections are fair, transparent, and secure," said Armstrong. "If Congress fails to act on something as basic as proof of citizenship to vote, the public's trust in our institutions will continue to collapse. The SAVE Act is critical to protecting the integrity of our republic."
House Republican Whip Alan Martinez said Senate Democrats should be forced to publicly defend their opposition to the legislation before the American people.
"The American people overwhelmingly support proof of citizenship requirements and basic election safeguards," said Martinez. "If Senate Democrats want to block this bill, they should have to stand on the Senate floor and explain why they oppose protecting American elections."
The letter also points to New Mexico's recent legislative session, where House Republicans introduced a state level version of the SAVE Act to strengthen election security and transparency. Majority Democrats rejected the proposal without serious consideration.
House Republican Caucus Chair Rebecca Dow said requiring proof of citizenship to vote is a commonsense safeguard supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans.
"Voting should be easy and cheating should be hard," said Dow. "Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is just common sense. The overwhelming majority of Americans support these safeguards because they want elections that are secure, transparent, and trusted."
The lawmakers urged Senate leadership to immediately bring the SAVE Act to the floor and make every Senator publicly defend their position before the American people.
