U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) called on the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act in a floor speech delivered March 11. The proposed legislation would require proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections.
The debate over voter identification and election integrity has been a prominent issue in Congress, with supporters arguing that such measures are necessary to protect the right to vote and ensure only citizens participate in federal elections.
“Senate Democrats know that most of their constituents are for verifying citizenship to vote. They are ignoring the will of the people they represent,” Cassidy said during his remarks. He continued, “I ask my Senate Democratic colleagues to remember this: you demand ID to buy a gun, one constitutional right, but you won’t require it to cast a vote, another constitutional right. Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act.”
Cassidy cited historical context by referencing Samuel Adams and emphasized that more than 83 percent of Americans support showing government-issued identification when voting, including majorities among both Democrats and Republicans. He argued that requiring ID for other activities such as buying alcohol or boarding an airplane is common practice and questioned why voting should be treated differently.
According to the official website, Cassidy obtained his undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University according to the official website. He serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions according to the official website, influencing policy on health care, labor, education and retirement. Cassidy was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 according to the official website after serving in both the U.S. House for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District starting in 2008 and earlier in the Louisiana State Senate according to the official website. His office includes senior staff such as a first assistant according to the official website, and he represents Louisiana in the federal legislative body according to the official website.
Cassidy concluded his speech by reiterating his call for passage of what he described as simple and widely supported legislation: “Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act.” The bill is expected to come before the Senate floor for a vote next week.
