Bill · H.R. 9897· House(119-HR-9897)
Trump-Reagan Election Enforcement Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2026
- Last activity
- 7/23/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Sponsored by
- Lauren Boebert
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Trump-Reagan Election Enforcement Act seeks to amend title 23 of the United States Code. It mandates that states implement specific requirements for providing documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in Federal elections. If a state fails to enact these laws, the Secretary will withhold 10 percent of apportioned surface transportation funding starting after fiscal year 2026. An additional 5 percent will be withheld each subsequent fiscal year. The bill also includes requirements for creating alternative processes, establishing programs to identify noncitizens, and removing them from voter lists.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+7
The bill significantly expands federal power by using the withholding of transportation funds to compel state election law changes.
Does this make elections run better?+3
Proponents would argue the bill improves integrity by ensuring only citizens are registered to vote.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-6
The bill reduces state autonomy by forcing specific election enforcement and registration procedures through financial penalties.
Does this protect the right to vote?-5
The bill imposes strict documentary proof requirements and in-person mandates that may create significant barriers to voter registration and participation.
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?-5
Mandating in-person presentation of proof for mail-in registrants may reduce overall voting access.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Verification of Voter Status: The bill requires states to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote by establishing programs to identify noncitizens (Section 2(b)(2)(3)).
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Standardized Proof of Citizenship: The bill provides a specific list of acceptable documentary proof, such as U.S. passports, certain government-issued photo IDs, or certified birth certificates, to be used during voter registration (Section 2(b)(2)(1)).
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Protection for Voters without Standard ID: The bill requires states to establish an alternative process for applicants who are unable to meet the primary documentary requirements (Section 2(b)(2)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Reduction in State Transportation Funding: States that do not comply with the new election laws will face a 10 percent withholding of apportioned surface transportation funding, with an additional 5 percent withheld each year thereafter (Section 2(b)(a)).
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Increased Burden on Mail-in Voters: Individuals using mail voter registration must present documentary proof of citizenship in person to an election official by a specific deadline (Section 2(b)(2)(4)).
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Legal and Criminal Risks for Officials: The bill allows for a private right of action against election officials who register an applicant who fails to provide proof of citizenship (Section 2(b)(2)(6)) and requires states to establish criminal penalties for such instances (Section 2(b)(2)(7)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Access-5Improves Voting Rights-5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+7Improves Electoral Process+3Increase States Rights-6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households-3
- 7/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House