June 4, 2026
Mrs. Fedorchak (for herself and Ms. Lee of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
To establish a grant program to assist States in providing identification cards compliant with Federal standards at no cost to low-income individuals.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the SAVE America Through REAL ID Act
.
Sec. 2. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that all eligible individuals, regardless of income, have access to identification documents that meet Federal election standards by supporting State efforts to eliminate financial barriers to obtaining such identification.
Sec. 3. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Low-income individual
The term low-income individual
means an individual whose household income is not more than 200 percent of the Federal poverty level, or who participates in a means-tested public assistance program, as determined by the State.
(2) Real ID-compliant identification
The term REAL ID-compliant identification
means a driver’s license or identification card issued by a State that meets the requirements of Federal law for official purposes.
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary
means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(4) State
The term State
means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
Sec. 4. Grant program established
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a grant program to provide funds to States to cover the costs associated with issuing REAL ID-compliant identification at no cost to low-income individuals.
(b) Eligible uses of funds
A State receiving a grant under this section may use funds to—
(1)
waive application and issuance fees for eligible individuals;
(2)
cover administrative costs associated with processing applications;
(3)
conduct nonpartisan public awareness activities directly related to REAL ID eligibility and application procedures;
(4)
provide mobile or remote services to obtain REAL ID’s in underserved areas; and
(5)
assist applicants in obtaining required supporting documentation.
Sec. 5. State applications
(a) Application required
To receive a grant under this Act, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(b) Contents
Each application shall include—
(1)
a description of how the State will identify and verify eligible individuals;
(2)
a plan to eliminate fees for such individuals;
(3)
outreach strategies to promote broad awareness; and
(4)
assurances of compliance with applicable Federal and State privacy and security laws.
Sec. 6. Allocation of funds
(a) Formula
The Secretary shall allocate funds to States based on—
(1)
the population of low-income individuals in the State; and
(2)
the demonstrated need for increased access to compliant identification.
(b) Minimum allocation
Each State receiving a grant shall receive not less than a minimum allocation, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 7. Reporting and accountability
(a) State reports
Each State receiving funds shall annually submit to the Secretary a report detailing—
(1)
the number of identification cards issued at no cost;
(2)
demographic data, as permitted by law;
(3)
outreach activities conducted; and
(4)
expenditures of grant funds.
(b) Federal report
The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report summarizing program outcomes and effectiveness.
(c) Audits
Funds provided under this Act shall be subject to audit by appropriate Federal oversight entities.
Sec. 8. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Sec. 9. Rulemaking
The Secretary may promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this Act.