WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor calling on the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship when voting in federal elections.
“Senate Democrats know that most of their constituents are for verifying citizenship to vote. They are ignoring the will of the people they represent,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“I ask my Senate Democratic colleagues to remember this: you demand ID to buy a gun, one constitutional right, but you won’t require it to cast a vote, another constitutional right. Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act,” continued Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:
Mr. President,
America was founded on the principle that the right to vote is sacred. Protecting it is our responsibility.
I’d like to read a quote from the Boston Gazette, published April 16, 1781.
“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote…that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”
Samuel Adams wrote that nearly 245 years ago, when our country was just five years old.
I often find that the principles which are described in history become more relevant as time goes on.
And today, Mr. President, as this Congress debates whether proof of citizenship should be required to vote in federal elections, those words from 1781 speak as clearly as they did then.
Now, when you ask the American people about this, there isn’t really that much debate.
Over 83 percent of Americans say, “Yes! You should have to show a government-issued ID to vote!”
This is the position of most Americans—71 percent of Democrats and 95 percent of Republicans.
That’s why I’m a proud co-sponsor of the SAVE America Act—that is, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
Now, I’m from Louisiana.
In EVERY state, you’re required to show your ID to buy alcohol.
So, when you hear that Democrats are refusing to support the SAVE America Act, you might scratch your head.
Like, I’ve got to show my government-issued ID to buy a gun, which is another Constitutional right.
I’ve got to show it to board an airplane or cash a check.
But when it comes to choosing the leaders who will steer the future of the United States of America—suddenly showing an ID is too much to ask?
There’s something really backwards about that.
Especially considering how clearly the American people are speaking on this issue.
As far as the talking filibuster is concerned, I have supported returning to the talking filibuster since I joined the Senate in 2015.
Let’s see a proposal and get it done.
We should look at every avenue to push the SAVE America Act.
It is common sense and overwhelmingly supported by the American people.
Only 1 percent of people say they are undecided.
Senate Democrats know that most of their constituents are for verifying citizenship to vote; they’re just ignoring them—presumably to appease the small left-wing base of 16 percent who are against it.
It does not prevent any eligible American citizen from casting a ballot.
It does not take away anyone’s constitutional rights.
It simply strengthens trust in our system by ensuring that only citizens participate in federal elections, as our founding fathers intended.
Our constitutional republic was founded on the principle that every lawful vote should count, and no unlawful vote should dilute the voices of American citizens.
The SAVE America Act is simple, reasonable, and widely supported.
When it comes to the Senate floor for a vote next week, I ask my Democratic colleagues to remember this: you demand ID to buy a gun, one constitutional right, but you won’t require it to cast a vote, another constitutional right.
Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act.
With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.
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