Sen. Lisa Murkowski is the first Republican senator to speak out against the SAVE Act, a sweeping election bill backed by President Trump that would require proof of citizenship to vote nationwide.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski is the first Republican senator to speak out against the SAVE Act, a sweeping election bill backed by President Trump that would require proof of citizenship to vote nationwide.

## Republican Senator Murkowski Breaks Ranks on Trump-Backed SAVE Act

**Washington, D.C. —** In a notable break from her party’s leadership, **Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)** has become the first Republican senator to publicly oppose the **SAVE Act**, a high-profile election bill strongly supported by former President **Donald Trump** and many GOP lawmakers. The legislation, known formally as the *Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act*, would impose a **nationwide requirement for proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections**, a provision that marks a significant expansion of federal oversight into election administration.

Murkowski’s statement on Tuesday highlighted **constitutional and practical concerns** with the proposal. She reminded her GOP colleagues that many of them *opposed federal election laws* during the Biden administration for similar reasons, arguing that decisions about voting should be decided at the **state level** rather than by Washington. “One-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, D.C., seldom work in places like Alaska,” Murkowski said, emphasizing that longtime GOP objections to federalizing elections should apply now as well.

The SAVE Act’s core provision would prohibit states from registering voters for federal elections unless they present **documentary proof of citizenship** — such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate — at the time of registration. This would go beyond the current federal process, which already requires registrants to attest they are U.S. citizens under penalty of law. Critics argue the new documentation requirement could create barriers for millions of eligible voters who do not have such papers readily available.

Supporters of the bill, including Trump and its congressional sponsors, say it is aimed at strengthening **election integrity** by ensuring that only U.S. citizens cast ballots in federal contests. Opponents — both Democrats and some election law experts — counter that evidence of widespread ineligible voting is lacking and that imposed documentation requirements could disenfranchise voters, particularly those in underserved communities.

Murkowski’s stance underscores growing **internal divisions within the Republican Party** over how far to push federal election reforms. While some GOP senators have expressed support for aspects of the bill, concerns about overreach and the constitutional balance of power between states and the federal government could complicate its path through the Senate.