hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Repeals executive order on election verification, bans federal funding for similar actions.
Sen. Padilla (D-CA) introduced with 40+ Democratic co-sponsors.
Introduced in Senate, referred to committee.
This bill, known as the "Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act," would nullify a recent executive order (EO 14399) that aimed to create federal citizenship lists for election purposes and restrict mail ballot delivery. It also blocks federal agencies, including the Postal Service, from using funds for similar voter verification activities or interfering with state control over mail ballots. Senator Padilla, a Democrat from California, introduced the bill. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration for review before any potential vote.
Introduced Apr 22, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 22, 2026, by Senator Padilla. It was then referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Before it can become law, it must pass both the Senate (potentially after committee review and a floor vote) and the House of Representatives, and then be signed by the President.
If this bill passes, a recent executive order (EO 14399) that sought to establish federal citizenship verification for elections and potentially restrict mail ballot delivery would be nullified. This means your current options for voting by mail or absentee would be preserved without federal changes. Additionally, federal agencies would be prevented from compiling national voter or citizenship databases, ensuring that voter registration remains primarily a state responsibility. The bill aims to protect the existing state-led system for election administration.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue the bill protects voting rights from executive overreach and upholds states' authority over elections.
Critics Say
Critics of this bill (and supporters of EO 14399) would likely argue it hinders efforts to ensure election integrity and citizenship verification.
The bill's findings explicitly state that the executive order it targets is illegal, unconstitutional, and would disenfranchise millions, framing it as a defense of existing voting methods. It emphasizes that election regulation authority rests with Congress and the States. Those who might oppose this bill would likely be in favor of the executive order's stated aim of "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections" and believe such federal measures are necessary.