Sen. Josh Hawley Criticizes Fellow Republicans for Blocking Voter ID Amendment

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, expressed his disappointment in four Republican senators who sided with Democrats to oppose adding the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to the Senate’s reconciliation package. Hawley questioned their decision, noting the popularity of voter ID among Americans who prioritize safe and fair elections.

During a Senate session on Thursday, Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis voted against the amendment linking the election-integrity measure to the GOP’s budget package. This rejection adds to frustrations regarding the repeated blocking of similar initiatives.

The SAVE America Act aims to ensure U.S. citizenship verification for voter registration in federal elections and mandates photo identification for casting ballots. Despite efforts to include this legislation, Republicans were unable to attach it to the $70 billion budget reconciliation package meant to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.

Some senators opposed federal intervention, arguing election guidelines should remain state-level decisions. However, Hawley countered, emphasizing Congress’s historical role in regulating federal elections and maintaining ballot integrity.

Highlighting existing voter ID laws in 37 states, including many governed by Democrats, Hawley asserted the measure is neither unconventional nor unnecessary. He anticipates broader demand from Americans for such measures.

Hannah Brennan, part of Fox News Digital’s Politics team, offers insights from her previous experience at the Aspen Daily News, covering various governmental and cultural events, along with significant political developments.