OKC Standard

Today, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 9494, the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act. This legislation would fully fund the federal government through March and contains the SAVE Act, legislation that Congresswoman Bice has supported previously.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“I was disheartened that legislation which seeks to avoid a harmful government shutdown and strengthen American elections failed on the House Floor today. This legislation represented not only a chance to ensure the continuity of essential government services but also offered an opportunity to strengthen our democratic systems.

“Ensuring the integrity of our elections has been a major priority. Through the House Administration Committee, I have supported the SAVE Act and the SHIELD Act. Previously, I supported and even spoke in favor of the SAVE Act on the House floor. Let me be clear- if Senator Schumer wanted, he could bring up the bipartisan SAVE Act today. His refusal and the White House’s opposition to the bill should be deeply concerning to all Americans, who believe like I do, that we must make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.

“After the results of this vote, there is more work that needs to be done. I am committed to averting a government shutdown, which would be detrimental for our nation.”

Background:

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act:

Amends the National Voter Registration Act to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election.

Requires states to establish a program to remove non-citizens from their existing voter rolls.

Gives states immediate no-cost access to federal databases with citizenship information.

Adds penalties for federal, state, and local officials who knowingly register non-citizens to vote in federal elections.

Directs states to establish a process for applicants that do not have documentary proof of citizenship but are in fact U.S. citizens.

The Secure Handling of Internet Electronic Donations (SHIELD) Act:

Prohibits political committees from accepting contributions from debit or credit cards without disclosure of card verification value (CVV) and billing address associated with card.

Prohibits acceptance of contributions from prepaid cards.