House Majority Leader Steve Scalise used the example of needing a photo ID for an Olive Garden "Never-Ending Pasta Pass" to argue for the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring new voters to show proof of citizenship. Scalise stated, “For God’s sake, you can’t go get pasta at Olive Garden without a picture ID. Why not be able to show a picture ID to vote?”

This comparison aligns with a broader Republican strategy to equate everyday identification requirements with voting. Other Republicans, like Rep. Ryan Zinke and Rep. Brian Steil, have made similar arguments using examples like Costco and purchasing beer. They frame the SAVE America Act as a common-sense security measure.

Democrats, however, criticize the bill as a voter suppression tactic that addresses a non-existent problem, warning it could disenfranchise voters. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it "despicable." Some Republicans, such as Senator Lisa Murkowski, have also expressed opposition, citing potential barriers for voters, particularly in rural areas. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has acknowledged a lack of sufficient votes to pass the measure.