In the wake of ongoing negotiations about the Homeland Security funding, the chair of the House committee overseeing elections, Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), is proposing a series of election reforms to be potentially included in a budget reconciliation bill. This move comes as Senate Republicans and the White House energize the party-line process to integrate contentious components of the GOP voting bill in the months ahead.

Steil's proposals aim to mandate or financially motivate states to enforce voter ID laws, demand proof of citizenship for voter registration, facilitate the sharing of voter data with federal entities for verification, and conduct post-election audits. These initiatives are part of an effort to implement key elements of the SAVE America Act, a priority for former President Donald Trump, though the reconciliation process may limit their scope.

A key aspect of Steil’s approach involves financial leverage; states that do not comply would face cuts in funding under the 2002 Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This act was originally passed to provide federal funds to assist in election administration following the controversial 2000 presidential election.

While the propositions align with Trump’s election-related demands, it remains uncertain whether they will conform to the stringent requirements of the reconciliation process, which is typically reserved for legislation directly impacting federal finances. The Senate parliamentarian plays a critical role in this determination.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, a recent agreement between Senate Republicans and Trump could lead to a new reconciliation bill that includes additional funding for ballot security measures and encourages more stringent voter ID laws. However, with HAVA grants diminishing — only $15 million was allocated in fiscal 2025 — Republicans acknowledge their limited influence over state election practices through this route.

Steil's list also suggests amending the national voter registration form to require documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or military ID, a change that would be funded through appropriations to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Despite these efforts, the push for a new reconciliation bill instead of passing the SAVE America Act in its entirety is facing significant resistance. The House Freedom Caucus has criticized Senate Republicans for what it perceives as a lack of commitment to fully backing Trump-endorsed measures. Even within the GOP, there is skepticism about the feasibility of this new reconciliation strategy, with concerns that it might jeopardize the broader elections overhaul and other Republican priorities.

As the debate continues, the future of these election reforms hangs in balance, underscored by intra-party disagreements and the challenging dynamics of passing legislation through reconciliation.