The U.S. Senate recorded a pivotal vote on April 23, 2026, that saw four Republican senators cast votes against Senator John Kennedy’s amendment aimed at requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration.

According to the Senate Daily Press, the vote occurred at 12:50 a.m. on April 23, 2026. The motion to waive the budget point of order related to Kennedy’s amendment (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) failed with a count of 48-50. The four Republican senators who voted “no” were Senators Collins, McConnell, Murkowski, and Tillis.

During the session, Senator Padilla spoke against the amendment. The amendment required states to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration, specified acceptable forms including REAL ID-compliant identification, and mandated the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls. It also established criminal penalties for election officials who registered voters without proper documentation.

Senator Kennedy advanced the amendment despite warnings that it might not withstand Senate reconciliation rules.