Proof of Citizenship is A Poll Tax

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, once again, we find ourselves in the position where rather than passing bipartisan appropriation bills, House Republicans have, once again, loaded must-pass legislation with their MAGA wish list.

This time it is the SAVE Act, which seeks to address noncitizen voting, which is already illegal and punishable by up to 5 years in prison, despite no evidence of a widespread problem.

What the SAVE Act really is is the latest Republican effort to restrict access to the ballot box with burdensome proof-of-citizenship requirements. However, under this bill, Americans would not be able to use their driver's license, any State-provided ID, or military or travel ID. The only acceptable form of proof of citizenship will cost money, such as a passport.

That is a poll tax.

I took my oath of office in this body on the Bible in which my father kept the poll tax receipt that he had to pay as a reminder of how my family had to fight for the sacred right to vote.

I will not stand for a new poll tax to be put in Federal law, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on today's CR.

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