Texas Republican Congressman Brandon Gill spoke on Fox News urging his colleagues to support the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections. Gill framed the bill as a measure to protect the integrity of American elections and ensure that only citizens have the right to vote, calling it a “core part of national sovereignty” and a safeguard against the dilution of American votes.
“Only if you are an American citizen should you be voting in American elections.” pic.twitter.com/B4cGrh1DyX
— American Gazzete (@AmericanGazzete) February 10, 2026
“Only if you are an American citizen should you be voting in American elections,” Gill said. “Every time an illegal alien votes in American elections, that waters down or disenfranchises American citizens who should have sole representative power in this country.” He emphasized that the bill responds to what he described as four years of policy under President Joe Biden that allowed “15 million plus illegal aliens into the country.” Gill added that the SAVE Act enjoys broad public support, citing a Pew Research poll showing 83% of Americans favoring voter identification requirements.
Gill outlined multiple strategies for advancing the bill, noting that it could be attached to must-pass legislation or debated directly in the Senate. “If the Senate Democrats want to explain to the American people for hours and hours why basic common sense legislation like voter ID is bad, let them do it,” he said. “The American people are going to side with Republicans every single time because they recognize this is basic.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has publicly opposed the legislation, calling it “dead on arrival in the Senate” and asserting that “every single Senate Democrat will vote against any bill, any bill that contains it.” Gill pushed back, arguing that Democrats’ opposition stems from a long-term political strategy of encouraging noncitizen participation to influence congressional representation and elections.
The SAVE Act would impose Jim Crow style restrictions on voting. It will be dead on arrival in the Senate.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 2, 2026
My statement: pic.twitter.com/OAJRsmgkWn
The SAVE Act specifically requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. States would be prohibited from accepting or processing federal voter registration applications without such documentation. Acceptable forms of proof include identification compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005 indicating U.S. citizenship. The bill also mandates that states establish an alternative process for applicants to demonstrate citizenship and implement ongoing measures to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote. Noncitizens found on voter rolls must be removed, and the legislation allows private legal action against election officials who register ineligible voters. Certain violations under the bill would carry criminal penalties.
Gill also framed the bill in political terms saying, “Democrats think importing illegal aliens and letting them vote is their path to permanent power. Republicans won’t let that happen.” The post and his televised remarks reinforce the message that the legislation is intended to protect what he describes as the foundational principle of American elections: that voting is a right reserved exclusively for citizens.
As Congress considers the SAVE Act, the debate highlights a broader national conversation over election security, voter access, and the federal government’s role in regulating voter registration. While Republican support appears unified, Democratic opposition is expected to remain firm, setting the stage for a contentious legislative battle over the coming months.
