“A promise on election integrity is only as good as the next signature.
No SAVE Act. No signature.”— Ken Cuccinelli, National Chairman, Election Transparency Initiative
SCOTUS ruling underscores need for President Trump to veto Housing Bill until Congress passes the SAVE Act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | LINK
Arlington, VA — June 29, 2026 — Following today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing Mississippi to count certain absentee ballots received after Election Day if they are postmarked by Election Day, the Election Transparency Initiative (ETI) called on President Donald Trump to insist Congress send him the SAVE America Act before signing the bipartisan housing package now awaiting his signature.
“The Supreme Court answered a legal question today,” said Ken Cuccinelli, National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative. “Congress still has a policy decision to make. The Court interpreted existing federal law. Congress can strengthen that law, and President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that election integrity is one of his highest priorities. The housing bill is now on his desk and this is an ideal moment to advance election integrity.”
The Supreme Court’s decision leaves existing federal law unchanged, meaning states may continue operating under differing absentee ballot deadlines where permitted by law. While the Court resolved the legal dispute before it, the decision also underscores Congress’s authority to establish stronger standards for federal elections through legislation such as the SAVE America Act.
“The Court did not say this was the best policy,” Cuccinelli continued. “It simply interpreted the law Congress has already written – law that we suggest would be far better if Congress passed the SAVE Act.”
Last week, President Trump delayed signing the housing package while urging Congress to move the SAVE America Act. Today, that same housing bill was formally transmitted to the President without the election integrity legislation attached, beginning the constitutional period for presidential action. The President may sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.
“The choice now belongs to the President,” Cuccinelli said. “Signing the bill as Congress sent it, or allowing it to become law without a signature, would be to pass up an important opportunity to improve our elections.” “We urge the President to insist Congress finish the job by protecting both affordable housing and the integrity of American elections.”
The need for reform is illustrated by California’s election system. California ultimately certified the results of its June 2nd statewide primary election, but counties continued to complete canvasses and certifications through June 25th as officials processed mailed ballots, verified signatures, and accepted ballot cures permitted under state law.
“Election Day should not require a month-long epilogue,” Cuccinelli said. “While California spent nearly a month completing its June 2nd primary election, Colombia conducted a national election, counted the votes, and declared a winner. Americans deserve elections that are accurate, transparent, and timely.”
“Election integrity and prompt election results are not competing priorities—they reinforce one another,” Cuccinelli concluded. “Congress still has an opportunity to send the SAVE America Act to the President’s desk. We urge President Trump to stand by his commitment to the American people and insist that Congress finish the job before this housing legislation becomes law. If Congress – specifically, the Senate – won’t protect election integrity, the President must.”
Media Availability
Ken Cuccinelli is available for television, radio, podcast, and print interviews regarding this and other election related issues.
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About the Election Transparency Initiative
The Election Transparency Initiative (ETI) was established as a partnership between the American Principles Project (APP) and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. ETI works nationwide to advance commonsense election reforms that protect the integrity of the vote and strengthen public trust in election outcomes through policies that enhance transparency, accountability, and confidence in American elections. ETI is chaired by Ken Cuccinelli, who previously served as Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and as Attorney General of Virginia.
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