Story perspectives

GOP Passes $50M REAL ID Grant, Blocks SAVE Tie

6/6/2026

Left

Republicans Launch Grant

Republicans introduced a $50 million-a-year federal grant bill that repackages elements of the stalled SAVE America voting-restriction proposal.
The House passed the grant bill in February 2026 by a near party-line vote.
The bill would fund states to help low-income residents obtain REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards.
Four Republicans joined Democrats to block an amendment attaching SAVE America Act to $70 billion package.

Right

Senators Block Amendment

Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell and Thom Tillis joined all Democrats to defeat the SAVE America Act amendment.
The House passed a version of the SAVE America Act in February 2026 by a near party-line vote.
Senator Lindsey Graham attached the amendment to a $70 billion immigration-border reconciliation package, needing 60 votes.
Senator Alex Padilla said safeguards work, non-citizens cannot vote, and the amendment repeats vote-by-mail limits.

Center

Trump Bill Fails

The SAVE America Act would have required voters to present a citizenship document and a photo ID when registering.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s SAVE America Act failed in the Senate on June 4, 2026.
He claimed Democrats were cheating and pledged not to sign legislation until the bill passed.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans lacked support to eliminate filibuster and force bill.

History

Historical Context

Indiana enacted a photo-ID requirement in 2005, which survived a 2006 district-court ruling, a 2007 Seventh Circuit affirmation, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Crawford v. Marion County Election Board (April 28 2008). The 2026 SAVE America Act draws on that precedent to expand federal funding for REAL ID-compliant licenses nationwide.

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Republicans Launch Grant

Republicans introduced a $50 million-a-year federal grant bill that repackages elements of the stalled SAVE America voting-restriction proposal.
The House passed the grant bill in February 2026 by a near party-line vote.
The bill would fund states to help low-income residents obtain REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards.
Four Republicans joined Democrats to block an amendment attaching SAVE America Act to $70 billion package.

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