Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has unveiled a plan to tie proof of citizenship for voter registration to government funding, igniting outrage from Democrats. The proposed Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would amend the current system by requiring voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.

Johnson’s plan comes in response to growing concerns from Republicans that noncitizens are making it onto voter rolls. Although it’s illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, current voter registration only requires individuals to check a box confirming citizenship. Republicans argue that this leaves the system vulnerable.

Several instances of noncitizens voting have been documented. In Pennsylvania, over 11,000 noncitizens were discovered on the voter rolls in 2019, and in North Carolina, 41 noncitizens cast ballots in 2016. GOP lawmakers say these cases, though relatively small, show a need for stronger voter protections.

Democrats, however, see the SAVE Act as an attempt to suppress the vote and make it harder for eligible citizens to participate in elections. President Joe Biden and other top Democrats have voiced their opposition, claiming that the bill is based on misleading claims.

Liberal media outlets have also joined the fight, with The New York Times publishing an article accusing Republicans of promoting “false theories” about immigrant voting. While Democrats insist that noncitizen voting is not a widespread issue, Republicans maintain that every illegal vote threatens the integrity of the system.

With midterms on the horizon, Democrats are expected to continue opposing Johnson’s plan, especially as it may be attached to critical funding legislation.