71 percent of Americans support securing our elections by passing the SAVE America Act. At a time of declining trust in our institutions, the clearest way for Congress to restore confidence is to ensure our elections are free and fair.
Unfortunately, banning non-citizens from voting is on the fast track to an easy death in the U.S. Senate. This comes despite the fact that the House of Representatives has approved most of this policy three times, and that President Donald Trump recently declared the SAVE America Act to be his top legislative priority.
Regardless of Democratic talking points, election security is urgent.
Just this past week, an illegal immigrant in Philadelphia was convicted for voting in five presidential elections. This is the type of voter fraud that Democrats claim doesn’t exist — and that President Joe Biden sought to expand by opening the border and allowing over 10 million people to enter our country illegally.
It shouldn’t be controversial to prevent non-citizens from voting and requiring a photo ID at the ballot box. But Senate Democrats are standing with their radical base in blocking election integrity — while hiding behind the filibuster to avoid a real debate.
As Minority Leader Chuck Schumer outrageously describes the SAVE America Act as “Jim Crow 2.0,” it’s time for Senate Republicans to enforce a “talking filibuster” to advance President Trump’s top priority. This would require anyone obstructing a vote on this bill to stand on the floor and explain to the American people why.
This is what a traditional filibuster looks like. A real debate on the issues that matter, like election security.
Senators like Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy should speak up and forcefully advocate for a talking filibuster, which would force Senate Democrats to defend their support for illegal immigrants voting in our elections. Why shouldn’t a principle as fundamental as the sanctity of our elections not even receive a real, extended debate?
The Senate was created by our founding fathers to be the world’s most deliberative body. But when it comes to securing our elections, the filibuster will allow Senate Democrats to block a vote on election integrity without lifting a finger. That’s why a talking filibuster is necessary.
Considering the furious sprint to the left occurring in the Democratic Party, I wouldn’t expect Chuck Schumer or Bernie Sanders to stand up and fight voter fraud. But I do expect the Republican majority to explore all possible avenues to securing our elections.
If the Democrats want to obstruct requiring proof of citizenship to vote, they should at least be forced to stand up and talk about it.
Chuck Schumer’s absurd narrative that photo ID requirements to vote are racist — ignoring the fact that a picture ID is required for many everyday activities — is proof positive of why the American people need to see a full Senate debate.
The American people and the Louisianans I represent have placed Republicans in charge of the Senate to defend our constitutional rights, including the sacred right to free and fair elections.
Outside-the-box thinking is crucial to advancing the SAVE America Act. President Trump has made clear that securing our elections must be a top priority of this Republican Congress. Senate Republicans should heed the President’s advice and use every tool at their disposal to force an actual debate.
Election integrity should not die without a fight. The overwhelming majority of Louisianans agree that illegal immigrants shouldn’t vote and that all Americans should show a photo ID before voting.
The modern filibuster is obstructing a real debate on preventing fraud in our elections. The Senate must act — via talking filibuster if necessary — to secure our elections and the future of our nation.
Rep. Julia Letlow represents Louisiana’s 5th District in Congress.
