Voter ID, Trade Wars, and Undersea Cables

On February 11, 2026, the House and Senate grappled with high-stakes legislative action and fundamental constitutional challenges. The House passed the SAVE America Act, sparking an intense debate over whether requiring proof of citizenship and photo IDs restores trust in elections or acts as a tool for voter suppression. Economic policy also took center stage as the House voted to terminate the national emergency justifying tariffs on Canada—weighing the "tax on American families" against the need for pressure to stop fentanyl trafficking—and passed the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act to reduce reliance on nations like China. Across the Capitol, the Senate addressed the "frightening" failed attempt by the Department of Justice to indict six Democratic lawmakers for their speech, while also debating a resolution to override D.C.’s local tax laws, which critics warned would blow a $600 million hole in the District's budget. With a Department of Homeland Security shutdown looming on Friday, leaders warned of significant risks to the Coast Guard and airport security if negotiations do not mature quickly.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

February 11, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Legislation Passed by the House

• S. 1383: Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act – Requires proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for federal elections,,.

• H.R. 3617: Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act – Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to protect essential energy resource supply chains,,.

• H.R. 261: Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 – Prohibits duplicative permit requirements for fiber optic cables in marine sanctuaries,,.

• H.J. Res. 72 – Terminates the national emergency declared in February 2025 used to justify tariffs on Canada,.

• S. 3705 – Provides for a congressional time capsule in honor of the U.S. semiquincentennial.

• H. Con. Res. 72 – Authorizes use of Emancipation Hall for a Holocaust remembrance ceremony.

Legislation Considered in the Senate

• H.J. Res. 142: Disapproving D.C.’s Local Tax Law – A resolution to override District of Columbia tax code changes; the motion to proceed was agreed to,.

• H.R. 7147: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 – Ongoing debate regarding funding for the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA,.

Notable Resolutions and Introduced Bills

• S. Res. 605 – Denounces statements regarding the "nationalization" of elections (introduced and blocked),,.

• S. Res. 606 – Condemns the Government of Iran for suppressing peaceful assembly.

• H.R. 7506 – Imposes sanctions on foreign persons dealing in Russian crude oil.

• H.R. 7482 – Authorizes prize competitions for Lyme disease innovation.

• H.R. 7490 – Facilitates U.S. Marshals' assistance in Tribal criminal matters.