Washington, D.C. – Congresswomen Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and Laurel Lee (R-FL) today introduced the SAVE America Through REAL ID Act, legislation to strengthen election integrity, increase voter confidence, and help every eligible American citizen access identification required to vote in federal elections. The bill establishes a federal grant program to help states provide REAL ID-compliant identification cards at no cost to low-income Americans.
“Requiring photo ID to vote helps ensure that only American citizens vote in our elections. This is a commonsense safeguard that nearly 9 out of 10 Americans support,” Fedorchak said. “The SAVE America Through REAL ID Act helps states strengthen election security while helping every eligible American citizen obtain the ID needed to vote. Democrats have spent years spreading misinformation about REAL ID requirements and claiming voter ID laws prevent participation. This legislation directly addresses those concerns by helping low-income Americans obtain REAL ID-compliant identification at no cost. Election integrity and voter participation go hand in hand, and this bill advances both.”
The SAVE America Through REAL ID Act would:
Establish a federal grant program to help states issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards free of charge to eligible low-income Americans.
Allow states to waive application and issuance fees for eligible individuals.
Help cover administrative costs associated with processing REAL ID applications.
Support mobile and remote REAL ID services in rural and underserved communities.
Assist applicants in obtaining required supporting documentation needed to secure a REAL ID.
Fund nonpartisan public education efforts related to REAL ID eligibility and application procedures.
REAL ID-compliant identification already meets federal verification standards used for official purposes such as commercial air travel and access to federal facilities. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support participating states.
The legislation was developed as part of broader Republican efforts to strengthen election security and restore public trust in federal elections. The bill is also structured to have a clear on-budget effect so it can comply with Senate parliamentary procedure and qualify for consideration under the budget reconciliation process.
###