Think Tank Reveals Election Denier Drafted Key SAVE America Act Sections
Thomas Lane, a former campaign staffer for Donald Trump, played a notable role in drafting essential components of the SAVE America Act, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at voter suppression. Lane is currently serving as the election integrity director at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a Washington, D.C. think tank aligned with Trump.
Background on Thomas Lane’s Involvement
In December 2020, Lane expressed his commitment to the Trump campaign’s efforts to undermine the results of the 2020 election. He was involved in the controversial fake electors scheme in states like Arizona and New Mexico, communicating with key figures, including Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro and Arizona GOP chair Kelli Ward.
The SAFE America Act Overview
The SAVE America Act, which recently passed in the House, builds on the original SAVE Act introduced in 2024. This new legislation introduces stringent voter identification requirements and aims to disenfranchise millions of voters who may lack the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship.
- Documentary Proof of Citizenship: The act requires voters to present proof of citizenship, which is expected to impact approximately 21 million voters.
- Voter ID Provisions: Lane added voter ID requirements to the act, further complicating the voting process.
- Roll Maintenance Sections: The legislation includes provisions for maintaining registration rolls.
Impact of the SAVE America Act
The SAVE America Act has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that its requirements could disenfranchise a large portion of the electorate. Reports from the Brennan Center for Justice indicate that many individuals may lack access to vital documents like birth certificates or passports.
Political Context and Reactions
Prominent Republicans have echoed unfounded claims about voter fraud, alleging that Democrats enable illegal voting. However, these assertions lack substantial evidence, as election audits have consistently shown minimal instances of noncitizen voting.
Democracy Docket sought clarity on Lane’s specific contributions to the act. However, inquiries to Republican leaders involved in the bill’s introduction, including Speaker Mike Johnson and House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil, went unanswered.
As discussions continue, the implications of the SAVE America Act remain at the forefront of electoral debate, particularly regarding election integrity and access to voting.
