Why the SAVE Act and a Six-Month CR are the Right Choices

As Texans, we’ve always taken pride in our state’s leadership in protecting the integrity of our elections. We understand that the right to vote is sacred, and that it belongs solely to American citizens. But despite our best efforts, we face a growing threat to our democratic process—one that requires immediate action.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, currently before Congress, is crucial for Texans. Here’s why:

First, Texas has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent noncitizen voting. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has implemented rigorous checks against noncitizen voting, which is illegal under state law. Since the passage of Senate Bill 1 in 2021, we’ve removed thousands of noncitizens from our voter rolls. But our efforts are hampered by federal limitations.

The SAVE Act would give Texas officials access to federal databases, allowing us to more effectively identify noncitizens on our voter rolls. This is a tool we’ve been requesting for years, and it’s essential for maintaining the integrity of our elections.

Second, Texas is particularly vulnerable to the issue of noncitizen voting due to our large immigrant population and our 1,254-mile border with Mexico, which has been ground zero for the Biden-Harris border crisis. We must ensure that only citizens participate in our elections. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote, a common-sense measure that would significantly bolster our state’s efforts.

Third, as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Texas has a lot at stake in every election. Our booming economy, our energy industry, and our way of life are all affected by election outcomes. We cannot afford to have our voices diluted by illegal votes.

Still, the SAVE Act is only part of the equation. Government funding runs out at the end of September and there is a fair compromise on the table, a six-month continuation of spending. The proposed six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) is equally important for Texans. Here’s why:

First, a six-month CR would prevent a lame-duck Congress from passing a massive omnibus spending bill. Such bills often include provisions that could harm Texas interests, particularly in areas like border security and energy policy. By pushing budget decisions into the next year, we ensure that newly elected representatives—who better reflect the current will of the people—have a say in these crucial matters.

Next, a longer CR gives our congressional delegation more time to fight for Texas priorities in the budget process. Whether it’s funding for border security, fighting woke policies, or investments in our energy infrastructure, Texans benefit when our representatives have more time to negotiate.

Finally, avoiding a rushed omnibus bill reduces the risk of hidden swamp provisions that spend frivolously to only benefit Washington elites. We’ve seen in the past how massive spending bills can include riders that weaken immigration enforcement or impose federal overreach on state election procedures.

The combination of the SAVE Act and a six-month CR represents a dual approach to protecting Texas and American interests. The SAVE Act would give us the tools we need to ensure our elections reflect the will of Texan citizens, while the CR protects our interests in the federal budget process and guards against last-minute legislation from an unaccountable lame duck Congress.

As Texans, we have a long history of leading the nation in protecting individual rights and promoting responsible governance. By supporting both the SAVE Act and a six-month CR, we continue this proud tradition. We’re not just protecting our own elections and interests; we’re setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow.

It’s time for our representatives in Washington to stand up for Texas. We need them to push for the passage of the SAVE Act and six-month CR. Our state’s future—and the integrity of our democratic process—depend on it.

Put simply, this is not how conservatives should govern when in power. Our federal government is spending far too much money on the wrong priorities. But with GOP control over just a single chamber of Congress with a slim majority, this plan represents a good step in the right direction to protecting our elections and draining the swamp.