U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor on Mar. 19 to denounce the Republicans’ SAVE America Act, which he said would make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Durbin argued that the bill’s requirement for documentary proof of citizenship to register would create new barriers for eligible voters.
The debate over voting rights is significant because it concerns access to fundamental democratic participation. The proposed legislation has drawn attention due to its potential impact on voter registration and turnout.
Durbin began his remarks by recalling the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, saying, “On August 6, 1965, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. That bill—nearly a century after the ratification of the 15th Amendment—would finally outlaw discriminatory practices that erected unjust barriers to voting for African Americans like literacy tests and poll taxes. It would open the ballot box in America to everyone.” He contrasted this with current efforts: “Six decades later, another President would…insist that Congress pass a bill that would make it harder for eligible citizens to vote.”
He addressed claims about election security by stating, “Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and cases of noncitizens voting are extremely rare… The [Bipartisan Policy Center’s analysis of] the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Election Fraud database found, in the period from 1999 to 2023, 24 years—how many cases do you think they found of voter fraud, incidents when noncitizens successfully cast ballots? Out of the millions and millions of votes that were cast, they found exactly 77 [instances of noncitizens illegally voting] in a 24 year period.”
Durbin also described how more than 21 million eligible American voters lack documents readily available to prove their citizenship and explained how driver’s licenses or REAL IDs alone would not be sufficient under the proposed law. He said only birth certificates or passports would count as proof: “Among the provisions is one that requires all states to obtain proof of citizenship, in person, from people looking to register to vote. In their bill, a driver’s license...and most REAL IDs would not be enough...Only birth certificates, passports, or similar documentation would count.”
He further highlighted financial and bureaucratic burdens: “You say to yourself, ‘Well, I’ll go get a passport...You know what it costs? $165.’ ...That’s your poll tax. You want to vote? You want to register? You got a passport? If you don’t, get ready to fork over $165 to $200 for a passport.” Durbin also noted difficulties faced by married women who have changed their names.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important role in shaping constitutional protections and public safety through its legislative and oversight duties according to its official website. The committee reviews legislation related to civil rights and oversees federal law enforcement according to its official website. It is led by a chairperson and includes senators from both major parties according to its official website.
Durbin concluded his remarks by reiterating his opposition: “If we truly believe...that we ‘must not refuse to protect the right of every American to vote in every election that he may desire to participate in,’ then we must reject this terrible legislation that will deny the right to vote...” He added: “The SAVE America Act is an affront to the fundamental right to vote, and I’ll be voting no.”
The ongoing debate highlights broader questions about access and fairness in U.S. elections as lawmakers consider changes affecting voter registration requirements.
