President Donald Trump is actively pushing Congress to pass the SAVE America Act (SAA) and restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This dual initiative comes at a critical time when over 100,000 federal employees have not received their paychecks amid a prolonged funding lapse. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the urgency of these actions on Tuesday.
The SAVE America Act is positioned as a key piece of election legislation aimed at ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Leavitt characterized the SAA as “one of the most critical pieces of legislation in our nation’s history,” highlighting its broad popular support. According to her, the act is built on “common sense,” with provisions designed to strengthen voter identification requirements and protect women’s sports.
Among the five core provisions of the SAA, voters would be required to show identification to cast a ballot, and proof of citizenship would be necessary for voter registration. “Voters have to show ID to cast a ballot in an American election. Very simple,” Leavitt asserted, referencing the significant backing for these measures—90% of Americans, including over 80% of Democrats, reportedly agree with requiring voter ID.
In addition to voter ID laws, the legislation aims to permanently ban biological males from competing in women’s sports and prohibit transgender surgeries for minors. Leavitt firmly stated, “Only American citizens have the right to vote in American elections,” strongly reinforcing the act’s intent to uphold voting integrity.
The discussions around the SAA coincide with the pressing issue of funding for DHS. The president is calling for Congress to act quickly to ensure that employees of crucial agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), FEMA, and the U.S. Coast Guard receive their paychecks again. Leavitt acknowledged the struggles faced by more than 100,000 employees across the country, stating, “To any American out there who is struggling without a paycheck, we know there’s more than 100,000 of you across the country.”
The funding lapse is also affecting everyday travelers, leading to longer wait times at airports. Leavitt noted the immediate impact on families and individuals waiting in line, urging Congress to “get the job done” and swiftly restore funding to DHS.
Leavitt stressed the importance of both the SAVE America Act and the reopening of DHS, asserting that Trump wants these legislative measures addressed without delay. “President Trump wants DHS fully funded and fully reopened,” she said, encapsulating the administration’s priorities.
As the debate over funding and election integrity unfolds, it highlights the administration’s commitment to maintaining security measures while addressing the needs of federal workers and ensuring fair electoral practices.
"*" indicates required fields
