Text of Senate Amendment 4696

Text of Senate Amendment 4696

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 50 (Thursday, March 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 50 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1405] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 4696. Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 4420 proposed by Mr. Thune (for Mr. Schmitt) to the bill S. 1383, to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title I, insert the following: Subtitle D--Protecting Pregnant and Postpartum Voters SEC. 131. PROTECTING PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM VOTERS. (a) Requirement.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, subject to paragraph (2), the provisions of and the amendments made by this title shall not apply before the date that is 2 years after the date on which the following have been submitted to Congress: (A) A certification by the Election Assistance Commission (in this section referred to as the ``Commission'') meeting the requirements of subsection (b). (B) The findings of each member of the Commission with respect to the matters required to be certified under such subsection (b). (2) Extension.-- (A) Submission of request.--The chief State election official of a State may submit to the Commission a request up to a 1-year extension of the applicable date under paragraph (1) with respect to the State. (B) Consideration.--The Commission may grant such extension upon a finding of good cause that the State is not yet operationally ready to implement this title without materially impairing pregnant or postpartum voters. (b) Certification.--A certification under subsection (a)(1)(A) meets the requirements of this subsection if such certification includes-- (1) a certification by the Commission that such provisions and amendments will not materially impair, delay, burden, or reduce the ability of pregnant or postpartum voters to participate in elections for Federal office; (2) a State-by-State review of how such provisions and amendments would affect emergency absentee voting and ballot- cure options for voters who are hospitalized, on bed rest, in labor, or recovering from childbirth; (3) a determination that, before implementation, each State has procedures in place to ensure pregnant or postpartum voters including those hospitalized, on bed rest, in labor, or recovering from childbirth can request, receive, cast, return, and cure an absentee ballot through emergency or expedited processes; and (4) a determination that Congress has appropriated funding specifically for State implementation of this title, including funding for election official training, voter education, and any required safeguards or accommodations. (c) Public Comment Period.--The proposed certification and supporting materials shall be published in the Federal Register and subject to a 60-day public comment period before submission to Congress. ______