Senate Must Pass SAVE Act to Preserve Meaningful U.S. Citizenship
Source: Nathan Stone. "If Thune Blocks The SAVE Act, U.S. Citizenship Soon Won't Mean Much." March 17, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that Senate leader John Thune should pass the SAVE Act to require proof of citizenship for voting. He claims Thune is making excuses when he could easily pass it, and warns that without this law, American citizenship will become as meaningless as Roman citizenship did when Rome gave it to everyone.
Conclusion
Senate Majority Leader John Thune must allow the SAVE Act to pass or risk making U.S. citizenship meaningless like what happened to Roman citizenship under Emperor Caracalla
Premises
- 84 percent of Americans want U.S. elections reserved for U.S. citizens, showing overwhelming public support
- The Senate can pass the SAVE Act under existing rules without eliminating the filibuster through the privileged message procedure
- Thune's claim that he needs 60 votes is false - the bill can pass with a simple majority after debate is exhausted
- Roman Emperor Caracalla's expansion of citizenship to everyone in 212 AD destroyed the value and meaning of Roman citizenship
- Without verification that ballots are cast by citizens, election results become suspect and constitutional government loses legitimacy
- When citizens lose trust in government, only force can maintain order, threatening self-governance
- Thune is prioritizing unknown special interests over the clear will of the American people
Assumptions
- The SAVE Act would effectively ensure only citizens vote in elections
- Historical parallels between Rome and modern America are valid and instructive
- Election integrity is fundamental to legitimate government
- Public opinion polls accurately reflect the will of the people
- Senate procedural rules allow the described privileged message process
- Thune has the power to bring the bill to a vote but chooses not to