Politics

Lawler Defends SAVE Act: Proof of Citizenship Is Common Sense

Published

April 13, 2025

In a recent segment of The Ingraham Angle on Fox News, New York Congressman Mike Lawler pushed back forcefully against Democratic opposition to the SAVE Act. The legislation would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Speaking with Laura Ingraham, Lawler defended the bill as a common-sense solution and criticized Democrats for misrepresenting its intent.

Laura opened the segment by referencing Lawler’s wife, who immigrated to the U.S., became a citizen, and successfully registered to vote. “She figured out how to register,” Lawler noted. “I think people will be fine.” He dismissed Democratic pushback as political theater. “No matter how ridiculous the Democrats look, I’ll give them this: they stick to their talking points.”

He reminded viewers that Democrats in New York recently tried to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. That attempt was blocked in court. “Even the far-left New York State Court of Appeals ruled it unconstitutional,” he said. “So the SAVE Act just ensures that voters prove citizenship—and yes, there are many acceptable documents to do that.”

Voter ID Laws: A Necessary Safeguard

Lawler stressed that the bill gives power to state election boards. They can decide what documentation is sufficient to confirm citizenship. “Nobody’s getting excluded if they’re a citizen,” he assured. “It’s not that hard.”

Laura then addressed the cost concerns. Her producers found that the average price of a Real ID is under $25. “The fear-mongering about this is just another talking point for a failed party,” she said. “It’s not about solutions—it’s about scaring voters.”

Lawler agreed. “The Real ID Act passed in 2005,” he reminded viewers. “Starting this year, you need one—or a passport—just to board a plane.” For those concerned about affordability, he offered an alternative: “Stop spending billions on illegal immigrants and help citizens get IDs instead.”

Both Laura and Lawler emphasized that the SAVE Act isn’t about exclusion—it’s about accountability. As Laura put it, “This isn’t complicated. It’s basic fairness in elections.”

Democrats’ Rhetoric Backfires

The conversation then shifted to the Democratic Party’s harsh rhetoric. One Democrat claimed the SAVE Act would suppress votes and compared its supporters to white supremacists. “It’s cynical,” Laura said. “And it insults millions of Americans.”

Lawler didn’t hold back. “They continue to demean people of color and women by suggesting they’re too stupid to get an ID,” he said. “That’s offensive.”

He pointed out that even some Democrats disagree with the party line. “Four Democrats joined us in voting for the bill,” he said. “Henry Cuellar, a Latino congressman from Texas, was one of them.”

As the bill heads to the Senate, Lawler urged action. “Chuck Schumer says they’ll kill it. We need to make sure this common-sense voter safety measure becomes law.” He invited viewers to help by texting SAVE to 85007.

Laura concluded with a blunt assessment: “They want illegal immigrants to vote. And they probably think that’s the only way they’ll ever win a presidential election again.”