Chair opens hearing on H.R. 9368, the Voter ID Act, proposing federal photo-ID standard

The House Administration chair opened the committee session to introduce H.R. 9368, the Voter ID Act, saying the legislation would require voters to present a photo identification to cast a ballot in federal elections. "You must show a photo ID to vote," the chair said, arguing the requirement would help "restore confidence in our elections."

The chair said the bill includes provisions to address accessibility and cost: states may use Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to provide free IDs to those who need them, and the bill allows provisional voting for voters who forget their ID at the polls. The chair noted that "23 states already require a valid photo ID to vote," and described the bill as establishing "a clear standard for federal elections to strengthen voter confidence and restore trust."

The chair framed the measure as a balance between election security and access, emphasizing that the bill "ensures that the cost of an ID is not a barrier to vote." The committee's introduction set the policy parameters but did not record debate, amendments, or a vote in the provided transcript.