Washington: The White House has called on Congress to pass sweeping election reforms proposed by President Donald Trump, saying the legislation would strengthen voting integrity and ensure that only American citizens participate in US elections.

At a briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the proposed SAVE America Act as “one of the most critical pieces of legislation in our nation's history.”

“The SAVE America Act is overwhelmingly popular with all Americans because each provision is rooted in common sense,” Leavitt said.

She outlined the five major provisions of the bill, which reflect key priorities of the President.

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Key provisions of SAVE America Act

  • Voter identification requirement: Voters will be required to show ID before casting a ballot. Leavitt highlighted strong public support across party lines, noting that 90 per cent of Americans, including over 80 per cent of Democratic voters, back the measure.
  • Proof of citizenship for voter registration: The bill mandates proof of citizenship when registering to vote, ensuring that only US citizens can participate in national elections. Leavitt cited recent increases in illegal immigration as a reason for the reform.

 

  • Elimination of universal mail-in ballots: The legislation would end the practice of universal mail-in ballots, while preserving exceptions for voters with illness, disability, military obligations, or travel constraints. Leavitt referenced a bipartisan 2005 report led by Jimmy Carter and James Baker, which identified absentee ballots as a major potential source of voter fraud.
  • Ban on male participation in women’s sports: The act would prohibit men from competing in women’s sports and restrict gender-related medical procedures for minors.
  • Prohibition of transgender surgery for minors: The SAVE America Act also seeks to ban transgender surgeries for children, aiming to protect minors from irreversible medical interventions.

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Leavitt urged lawmakers from both parties to support the legislation, calling it “Passing the SAVE America Act is the most important thing that Republicans and, frankly, Democrats can do to strengthen election integrity and protect our democracy.”

The White House stressed that the President wants Congress to act quickly.

“The president is calling on Congress to get the job done and send this historic piece of legislation to his desk immediately for signature,” Leavitt said.

Rising debate over US Election Laws

Election laws have become a highly contentious issue in recent years, particularly following the polarised 2020 presidential election. Republican leaders have championed stricter voter ID and citizenship verification, while Democrats warn that such measures could limit access to voting for certain groups.

Across multiple US states, legislatures continue to introduce reforms affecting voter identification, mail-in ballots, and election administration, as both parties prepare for upcoming national elections.

IANS