Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., delivered a sharp rebuke of Republican senators Sunday over the stalled SAVE America Act, questioning why some members of his own party have failed to advance legislation backed by President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Speaking on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show, Comer expressed frustration that the bill has struggled to gain traction in the Senate despite already clearing the House.
The legislation would require voters in federal elections to present a valid photo ID and proof of citizenship before casting a ballot. It would also significantly limit mail-in voting, restricting it to Americans with disabilities, illnesses, members of the military, and those who are traveling.
Trump has publicly endorsed the measure and has pushed for its passage before voters head to the polls in 2026.
During the interview, co-host Joey Jones asked Comer for an update on where the legislation stands after repeated setbacks in the Senate.
Comer responded by criticizing Republican senators whom he believes have failed to support the bill, arguing that concerns over political consequences should not prevent them from backing voter identification requirements.
“Are you that weak? That’s my question to any Republican senator — are you that weak?” Comer said. “To where if you vote for a valid ID to be shown to vote, you’re gonna get beat in your home state? I mean, if you’re that weak you don’t need to be a United States senator.”
The Kentucky congressman then turned his attention to Senate leadership, expressing skepticism about claims that there are not enough votes to move the legislation forward.
“Unless [Senate Majority Leader] John Thune is talking exclusively with [House Speaker] Mike Johnson, all that I’m hearing from the senate leadership is that they don’t have the votes,” Comer said.
According to Comer, the problem extends beyond the 60 votes typically needed to advance legislation.
“Not only do they not have 60 votes, they don’t have 50 votes — which I don’t believe that,” he added.
Jones reacted audibly during the interview, responding, “Wow, wow,” as Comer described the situation.
The legislation has already encountered resistance in the Senate. Last month, four Republican senators joined Democrats in voting against the measure. Those Republicans were Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Their opposition has contributed to the bill's inability to advance despite support from House Republicans and Trump.
Comer also argued that voter identification requirements enjoy broad bipartisan support among the public.
He pointed to a 2025 Pew survey that found 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats favor requiring voter ID, using those figures to argue that senators should feel confident supporting the proposal.
The congressman concluded by expressing hope that Senate Republicans will eventually unite behind legislation that can pass the chamber and strengthen public confidence in the nation's elections.
“I hope that the Senate will get it together and figure out somethin’ that we can pass to give the American people confidence in the integrity of the elections,” Comer said.
As debate over the SAVE America Act continues, the legislation remains stalled in the Senate even as its supporters continue pressing for action before the next federal election cycle.
