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The current House-approved version removes that specific mandate. Instead, it permits state-issued identification for voting at the polls while still requiring proof of citizenship during voter registration.
That change proved decisive.
“Requiring voters to produce passports or birth certificates on election day — as opposed to just a state-issued ID — would have placed an unnecessary burden on the voters. That provision is no longer in the bill and dropping this requirement was key to getting my support,” Collins said.
She emphasized that the underlying principle of the bill remains rooted in existing law.
“The law is clear that in this country only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections,” Collins added.
“In addition, having people provide an ID at the polls, just as they have to do before boarding an airplane, checking into a hotel, or buying an alcoholic beverage, is a simple reform that will improve the security of our federal elections and will help give people more confidence in the results.”
Under the House version, states would be required to obtain proof of citizenship before registering individuals to vote. Voters would also present photo identification at polling locations.
Supporters argue the reforms simply formalize what most Americans already assume is standard practice.
Filibuster Fight Looms
Despite her support for the bill itself, Collins drew a hard line on Senate procedure.
“I oppose eliminating the legislative filibuster,” Collins said.
“The filibuster is an important protection for the rights of the minority party, that requires Senators to work together in the best interest of the country. Removing that protection would, for example, allow a future Congress controlled by Democrats to pass provisions on anything they want — DC Statehood, open borders, or packing the Supreme Court — with just a simple majority of Senators.”
She reiterated her warning:
“Removing that protection would, for example, allow a future Congress controlled by Democrats to pass provisions on anything they want—DC statehood, open borders, or packing the Supreme Court—with just a simple majority of Senators.”
Her position could complicate leadership’s strategy if Democrats attempt to block the bill through traditional filibuster tactics.
Momentum Builds in the Senate
Senator Mike Lee of Utah celebrated the news publicly.
“I’m thrilled to receive the news that Senator Susan Collins has announced her support for the SAVE America Act! This is huge!”
According to reports, Senate leadership has discussed restoring a standing or “talking” filibuster to prevent what some Republicans call abuse of the modern 60-vote threshold. Under that scenario, opponents would be required to physically hold the floor to block the bill.
With 50 Republican senators reportedly committed and Vice President Vance ready to intervene in the event of a tie, GOP leaders see a potential path forward.
Trump Weighs In
President Donald Trump also amplified pressure on Capitol Hill with a fiery message on Truth Social, urging Republicans to act swiftly.
“If we can’t get it through Congress, there are Legal reasons why this SCAM is not permitted. I will be presenting them shortly, in the form of an Executive Order.”
He added:
“We cannot let the Democrats get away with NO VOTER I.D. any longer. These are horrible, disingenuous CHEATERS. They have all sorts of reasons why it shouldn’t be passed, and then boldly laugh in the backrooms after their ridiculous presentations.”
“If it weren’t such a serious matter, it would be considered a TOTAL JOKE! No Voter I.D. is even crazier, and more ridiculous, than Men playing in Women’s Sports, Open Borders, or Transgender for Everyone.”
Meanwhile, prominent public figures have urged Americans to contact their senators and demand passage of the bill, adding grassroots energy to the legislative push.
A Defining Vote Ahead
If enacted, the SAVE America Act would represent one of the most significant federal election law reforms in decades. Backers say it would codify citizenship verification nationwide and reinforce public confidence in election integrity before the next major election cycle.
Opponents, however, argue it risks restricting access and further inflaming partisan divisions.
For now, the Senate appears poised for a defining showdown. With Collins on board and Vance standing by, Republicans believe the path to 51 votes is within reach.
Whether procedural hurdles derail the effort remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the battle over voter ID and citizenship requirements is entering a decisive new phase.
