PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 16, 2017
Secure America's Future Elections Act or the SAFE Act
This bill directs the National Protection and Programs Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to designate the infrastructure used to administer elections as critical infrastructure.
The bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 with respect to:
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
funding for states to upgrade the security of the information technology and cybersecurity elements of voting systems, voter registration lists, and voter registration processes;
voting systems and cybersecurity standards;
paper ballot and manual counting requirements;
accessibility to voting systems and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities;
durability and readability requirements for ballots; and
mandatory manual audits of results of elections.
The National Science Foundation shall make grants to study, test, and develop accessible paper ballot voting mechanisms and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting for voters with disabilities, voters whose primary language is not English, and voters with difficulties in literacy.
The National Institute for Standards and Technology shall establish guidance for states that wish to establish alternative audit mechanisms.
The Election Assistance Commission is made permanent.
People & committees
Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2] · D–WI
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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