FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact
Salley Collins, Press Secretary
(202) 225-8281

E-mail: Salley.collins@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives, by a 228-to-196 vote, passed a bill that puts voter identification requirements in place to preserve the integrity of the elections process. The Committee on House Administration, led by Chairman Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., favorably reported the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 (H.R. 4844), which was introduced by Rep. Henry Hyde. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

"I am extremely pleased that H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006, has passed the House of Representatives, and will now move on for consideration by our colleagues in the Senate. Once implemented, the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 (H.R. 4844) will put an important safeguard in place that will enhance the integrity of our system and help restore confidence in it. By putting in place procedures that ensure voting is limited to eligible citizens, we can encourage participation and increase turnout. It has always been my objective that every citizen cast a vote, and that we ensure that illegally-cast ballots do not cancel out legal ones. Today's passage of H.R. 4844 is an important step toward meeting that goal."

Under H.R. 4844, voters will be required to provide a photo ID in the 2008 elections. The bill also requires that by 2010, voters wishing to vote in a federal election must present a photo ID also that certifies that they are citizens. States are also required to set up programs to distribute the IDs and must provide them at no cost to indigent voters. The cost for providing indigent voters with free IDs, will be reimbursed by the federal government.

For more information, contact the Committee press office, (202) 225-8281.