Speaker Mike Johnson’s strategy to bypass Democratic opposition on the SAVE America Act marked a significant advance in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The bill, a top election reform priority backed by former President Donald Trump, is being moved as part of a broader $95 billion budget package.

The budget bill allocates $73 billion for U.S. efforts related to the war with Iran, $12 billion in aid to American farmers, and $10 billion for states to implement election integrity measures outlined in the SAVE America Act. These measures include federal voter ID requirements and a proof of citizenship mandate for voter registration.

House Republicans are utilizing budget reconciliation, a legislative process that lowers the Senate vote threshold from 60 to a simple majority, to advance the bill and sideline Democratic opposition. Despite this progress, some GOP members remain uncertain about the bill's prospects in the Senate. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) told reporters, "I just wanted to let them know if you're doing a whip count right now, I wouldn't put me in the yes column…I'm not 100% convinced that the SAVE language is going to be held solid through the Senate."

The move represents a major win for Johnson, who faced both left-wing opposition and threats of rebellion within his own party. The Speaker emphasized the importance of last-minute votes to pressure Republicans in Congress, stating, "People wonder why the so-called 3AM caucus exists and why we hold our votes to the last minute to put pressure on Republicans in Congress to deliver? It’s because they revert to the mean — which is spending, amnesty, unlimited immigration and political show votes."

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) continues to oppose the legislation, reflecting the broader partisan divide over election reforms.

Sources