The Alaskan reminded her fellow Republicans that they claimed to oppose any new federal election laws just a few years ago, insisting that t
The Alaskan reminded her fellow Republicans that they claimed to oppose any new federal election laws just a few years ago, insisting that the issue should be left to states.
Feb. 10, 2026, 9:47 AM MST
By Sahil Kapur
WASHINGTON — Sen. Lisa Murkowski became the first Republican senator to speak out against the SAVE Act, a sweeping election bill backed by President Donald Trump that would require proof of citizenship to vote nationwide.
In doing so, the Alaskan reminded her colleagues on Tuesday that they roundly claimed to oppose new federal election laws as recently as Joe Biden’s presidency.
“When Democrats attempted to advance sweeping election reform legislation in 2021, Republicans were unanimous in opposition because it would have federalized elections, something we have long opposed,” Murkowski said in a statement. “Now, I’m seeing proposals such as the SAVE Act and MEGA that would effectively do just that. Once again, I do not support these efforts.”
