A retiring Republican senator has pledged to block election security legislation hours after the administration declassified evidence of Chinese interference in U.S. elections.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Friday he would use “every device” available to prevent the SAVE America Act from advancing through the Senate. The announcement came one day after the administration publicly released declassified information about foreign efforts targeting the 2020 election.
The administration also disclosed that more than 250,000 non-citizens are registered to vote across four states: California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada.
What Tillis Said
Speaking on the Senate floor, Tillis said he would “slow down the wheels of government” if election security provisions appear in future legislation. “I will use every device I have available to slow down the wheels of government until people cop a clue and do the math,” Tillis said.
The retiring senator has previously argued there is insufficient time before November’s elections to implement the bill’s requirements. Tillis did not immediately respond to questions about his position on the legislation.
The SAVE America Act
The proposed legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification at polling places. Polling data indicates approximately 80% of Americans support such requirements.
The bill remains stalled in the Senate despite bipartisan public support for voter verification measures. Election security experts have said such measures can be implemented before elections with adequate planning and resources.
Tillis’ Record
Tillis has announced he will not seek reelection, limiting political consequences for blocking the legislation. The senator has recently opposed several administration priorities and nominees during his final months in office.
Records show Tillis has received approximately $700,000 in campaign donations from industries associated with labor practices. The senator has not publicly detailed connections between his donations and his voting record on labor-related issues.