House passes first SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration; Senate blocks it

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Voting Act in 2006, requiring voters to present documentary proof of citizenship — such as a passport or certified birth certificate — to register to vote in federal elections, directly amending the NVRA's attestation standard. The House passed a version of the bill, but Senate Democrats blocked it from reaching the floor under unanimous consent procedures. The bill was reintroduced in every subsequent Congress.