Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

A bill to provide additional election security funding to States providing voter registration information to the Department of Homeland Security.

States that share voter registration data with the Department of Homeland Security would receive federal funding to improve their election security systems, such as upgrading voting machines or cybersecurity measures. The bill aims to incentivize states to cooperate with federal election security efforts by offering financial support for these improvements. Election officials and voters in participating states would benefit from the enhanced security measures funded through this program.

Abolish Super PACs Act

The proposal would cap how much money individuals and groups can donate to super PACs, which are organizations that spend unlimited funds on political advertisements and campaigns independent of candidates. Currently, super PACs can accept unlimited donations, but this bill would set reasonable contribution limits to reduce the influence of large donors in elections. The change would affect wealthy individuals, corporations, and other groups that fund these political organizations.

A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.

If the federal government shuts down because Congress can't agree on a budget, this resolution would stop paying senators until the shutdown ends. The goal is to pressure lawmakers to reach a deal quickly by making them feel the financial pain that federal workers and the public experience during a shutdown. This would apply only to senators, not House members or other government employees.

Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act

This legislation would establish new protections and standards for voters who cast ballots by mail or absentee voting, likely including measures to ensure ballots are counted accurately and securely. The bill would affect millions of Americans who vote remotely rather than in person, as well as election officials responsible for processing mail-in ballots. The proposal is currently under review by the Senate Rules Committee.

A resolution prohibiting the use of funds for travel by Senators to or from their residence during Government shutdowns.

During government shutdowns, this resolution would prevent senators from using taxpayer money to pay for travel between Washington and their home states. The measure aims to hold elected officials accountable by requiring them to cover their own travel costs when the government is not operating normally, rather than continuing to receive government-funded transportation while other federal employees and services are affected by the shutdown.

A resolution prohibiting the use of funds for official travel by Senators during Government shutdowns.

This resolution would prevent senators from using taxpayer money to travel on official business whenever the federal government shuts down due to budget disagreements. The rule would apply to all senators regardless of party and would remain in effect until the government reopens and normal funding resumes. The goal is to ensure that lawmakers face the same travel restrictions as other federal employees during shutdowns.

Voter Empowerment Act of 2026

Voter Empowerment Act of 2026 This bill expands voter registration and voting access. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration by requiring states to (1) make available online voter registration, (2) establish automatic voter registration systems, (3) permit same-day voter registration, and (4) accept voter registration applications from individuals under age 18. Further, the bill limits removing voters from voter rolls and prohibits interference with voter registration or voting. Next, the bill requires states to allow individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections. The bill also prohibits voter caging (the practice of sending mail to addresses on voter rolls, compiling a list of the undeliverable mail, and using the list to remove registered voters from voter rolls). Next, the bill expands voting access by requiring states to allow early voting and voting by mail without additional conditions. It also requires states to provide secured drop boxes at which individuals may drop off their completed absentee ballots. In addition, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any federal election shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. Finally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also directs the EAC to make grants to states for specified activities, including to implement automatic voter registration systems.

A bill to require voters to provide photo identification as a condition of casting a ballot, and for other purposes.

This bill would require people to show a photo ID before voting in federal elections. Supporters argue it prevents fraud, while opponents worry it could make it harder for elderly people, minorities, and those without driver's licenses to vote. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Rules Committee.

DISCLOSE Act of 2026

Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 or the DISCLOSE Act of 2026 This bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosures of campaign expenditures, and requiring additional disclosures regarding certain political advertisements. Specifically, the bill expands existing foreign money prohibitions to include disbursements for paid web-based or digital communications and federal judicial nomination communications. It also prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda. The Government Accountability Office must, for each four-year election cycle, study and report on the incidence of illicit foreign money in federal elections. Next, the bill makes it unlawful to establish or use a corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an election contribution or donation by a foreign national. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. Covered organizations (e.g., corporations, labor organizations, and political organizations) must, within 24 hours, file reports with the Federal Election Commission to disclose campaign expenditures of more than $10,000 during an election cycle. The bill also requires organizations to provide additional disclosures regarding political advertisements, including the donors who contributed the most money to that organization in the last year.

A resolution denouncing statements by President Donald J. Trump that he may "nationalize," commandeer, or otherwise assume direct control over elections.

This resolution expresses Congress's opposition to statements President Trump has made suggesting he might take direct government control over elections. The measure is intended to formally reject the idea that a president could seize or commandeer election operations, which are typically run by states and local officials. The resolution has been sent to the Rules Committee for consideration but has not yet been voted on by the full Congress.

SAVE America Act

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Integrity and Deficit Reduction Act

This bill would tighten unemployment insurance programs by increasing verification requirements and penalties for fraud, with the goal of reducing improper payments and saving money for the federal government. The changes would affect both workers receiving unemployment benefits and the states that administer these programs, potentially making it harder to qualify for or keep benefits while also requiring stronger identity checks and documentation. The bill aims to address concerns about overpayments and fraudulent claims in the unemployment system.

Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act

The legislation would establish new rules and requirements to prevent foreign governments and foreign-controlled organizations from interfering in U.S. elections, likely through measures such as increased transparency requirements, stronger penalties for violations, and enhanced coordination between election officials and federal agencies. The bill would affect election administrators, political campaigns, social media platforms, and federal agencies responsible for election security and national defense. By closing potential loopholes that foreign actors might exploit, the measure aims to protect the integrity of voting processes and ensure that American elections reflect the will of American voters rather than foreign influence.

Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025

Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025 This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.

Hiring Preference for Veterans and Americans With Disabilities Act

Hiring Preference for Veterans and Americans With Disabilities Act This bill allows states and local jurisdictions to give a hiring preference (when hiring election workers to administer an election in the state or local jurisdiction) to veterans, individuals with a disability, and nonresident military spouses or dependents. Further, the bill prohibits states and local jurisdictions from refusing to hire a nonresident military spouse or dependent as an election worker solely on the grounds that the individual does not maintain a place of residence in the state or local jurisdiction.

Register America to Vote Act of 2025

Register America to Vote Act of 2025 This bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. Specifically, the bill directs each state that has a voter registration requirement for federal elections to automatically register eligible individuals when they turn 18 years of age. The bill also provides for the automatic registration of individuals through state motor vehicle authorities. Individuals must be provided with an opportunity to opt out of automatic voter registration. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.

A resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to authorize the Majority Leader to move to proceed to the en bloc consideration of certain nominations.

This resolution generally permits the Senate to consider up to 10 nominations for most federal positions using a single motion to proceed (a proposal, typically offered by the Majority Leader, to bring a measure, nomination, or treaty to the Senate floor for debate and vote). However, certain nominations still require individual motions to proceed, namely nominations for Cabinet officials and other positions at Level I of the Executive Service, appellate judges, and Supreme Court Justices.

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

Sustaining Our Democracy Act This bill establishes and provides funds through FY2035 for the State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund for purposes of promoting election activities. Specifically, the bill establishes the Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program, through which the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation (also established by this bill) shall make allocations to states for carrying out democracy promotion activities. These activities include improving the administration of federal elections, recruiting and training nonpartisan election officials and poll workers, and increasing voting access. The bill requires each state, in order to receive allocated funds, to (1) submit a plan for approval that describes how the state will distribute resources and carry out democracy promotion activities, and (2) establish uniform and nondiscriminatory state-based administrative complaint procedures. The bill prohibits states from using funds for certain activities, including any activity that diminishes the ability of any eligible voter to participate in the electoral process.

Election Mail Act

Election Mail Act This bill addresses the delivery and processing of election mail for federal elections, including by establishing certain standards for mail-in ballots. Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to ensure (to the maximum extent practicable) same-day processing of mail-in ballots, postmark each ballot, carry election mail (e.g., voter registration applications and mail-in ballots) as first-class mail that is free of postage, appoint an election mail coordinator at each area office and district office, and consult annually with Indian tribes regarding barriers to voting for eligible voters living on Indian lands. The bill prohibits the USPS, within 120 days of a federal election, from making any operational change that would restrict the prompt and reliable delivery of election mail. Each state and jurisdiction must provide with each mail-in ballot a return envelope with an intelligent mail barcode. This requirement does not apply to a state or jurisdiction that uses an alternative system that enables voters to track the ballot through the mail. The bill requires election officials to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by election day and arrive within seven days after the election.

Ban Corporate PACs Act

Ban Corporate PACs Act This bill prohibits for-profit corporations from establishing or operating a separate segregated political fund (commonly known as a political action committee or PAC). Existing funds must terminate not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.