Hillary Clinton’s latest remarks on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act ignited a political firestorm after she claimed the bill would disenfranchise “69 million women” over name changes. Republicans fired back, calling it a “blatant lie,” while four House Democrats defied their party to support the GOP-backed bill aimed at tightening voter registration requirements.
House Narrowly Passes SAVE Act With Bipartisan Support
The SAVE Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives 216–208, largely along party lines. However, four Democrats broke ranks and joined Republicans in voting for the bill:
Ed Case (HI), Henry Cuellar (TX), Jared Golden (ME), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA).
The legislation would require physical documentation proving U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections—a safeguard that does not currently exist at the national level. Acceptable documents would include a passport, a REAL ID, or a certified birth certificate with a matching government-issued photo ID.
Clinton’s Claims Labeled “False” by Republicans
Hillary Clinton stirred controversy when she posted on social media claiming the bill would block women from voting if their married names don’t match their birth certificates. She called it a “Republican voter suppression measure” and warned that it could harm millions of women.
Senator Mike Lee responded bluntly:
“Hillary is lying (surprise).”
— Senator Mike Lee on X
Hillary is lying (surprise).
Democrats are terrified of the SAVE Act because it will secure American elections from illegal voting.
So they are making things up. https://t.co/cD7tKsYFzN
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 9, 2025
Republicans and independent fact-checkers pointed out that the bill does not prohibit name changes nor does it disqualify voters who present matching documentation—such as a marriage certificate or driver’s license with updated names.
Four Democrats Break Party Lines — Why?
Despite pressure from Democratic leadership, four Democrats voted in favor of the SAVE Act, signaling deep concern about election integrity in their home districts.
Update: The House just passed the Republican voter suppression measure that threatens voting access for millions of Americans, including 69 million women whose married names don't match their birth certificates.
Make sure your senators know you expect them to stand against it. https://t.co/cYTismZC4U
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 10, 2025
Jared Golden (ME) and Marie Perez (WA) both represent swing districts with strong bipartisan voter bases. Ed Case (HI) has a history of breaking with party orthodoxy, and Henry Cuellar (TX)—a border-district Democrat—has long supported stronger immigration and voting enforcement measures.
Their vote sends a clear message:
Election security is not just a Republican issue. Many Americans across the political spectrum are demanding safeguards to ensure only U.S. citizens cast ballots in federal elections.
Election Integrity or Suppression?
The SAVE Act now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate, where it’s unlikely to advance in its current form. Opponents argue the bill could intimidate or deter new voters, especially naturalized citizens, and complicate voter registration for those with name discrepancies or limited documentation.
But supporters counter that the requirement to show proof of citizenship is no more burdensome than applying for a job or getting a driver’s license. They argue that with federal databases like DHS’s SAVE system and the Social Security Administration integrated into the process, fraud can be reduced while maintaining access.
As the battle over the SAVE Act continues, it reflects the broader divide between prioritizing election integrity and concerns over voter access. Clinton’s attempt to spin the legislation as an attack on women may have backfired, especially with Democrats crossing the aisle to support it.