House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wis., on Thursday introduced legislation requiring voters to show a photo ID when casting a ballot in federal elections.

Steil announced the measure, dubbed the Voter ID Act, in a post on X, saying the bill would require voters to present photo identification when voting in federal elections and urging support for what he called "commonsense legislation."

According to the Washington Examiner, the bill would also require absentee and mail-in voters to include a copy of their identification with their ballot.

The legislation was first shared with the Examiner before its formal introduction.

"Americans should be confident their elections are run with integrity — voter ID is a commonsense measure to restore trust in our elections," Steil said in a statement. "This legislation will help improve voter confidence and strengthen election integrity nationwide."

A key component of the proposal is a new federal grant program designed to help states provide identification cards at no cost to voters who cannot afford them.

Tribal governments would also be eligible for the grants, which would be administered by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Republicans say the funding provision is intended to address criticism that voter ID requirements could create barriers for some voters.

The proposal marks the latest GOP effort to establish a nationwide voter identification requirement.

Republican-backed election legislation, including the SAVE America Act, has struggled to gain enough support in the Senate.

The Examiner reported that the inclusion of a grant program could provide a potential pathway for Republicans to pursue the measure through the budget reconciliation process because it carries a federal spending component.

However, it remains unclear whether the bill would satisfy Senate rules governing what provisions may be included in reconciliation legislation.

The issue has drawn renewed attention from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for voter identification requirements and proof-of-citizenship measures in federal elections.

Trump has linked his support for renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to passage of a voter ID bill.

Trump said he would not approve renewal of the surveillance authority without action on the SAVE America Act.

The Republican-controlled Congress has not advanced the measure because it lacks sufficient support in the Senate.

The Voter ID Act could move as a standalone bill or be attached to broader legislation, but any Senate passage outside reconciliation would likely require Democrat votes to overcome the chamber's 60-vote threshold.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.