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Scalise likens lack of federal voter ID law to Olive Garden's ID rule
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pushed back against Democratic claims of voter suppression, comparing the lack of a federal voter ID law to Olive Garden's ID requirement for its 'Never-Ending Pasta Pass' promotion. Scalise argued that showing ID protects voting rights and would prevent illegal voting in U.S. elections.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise criticized Democrats' opposition to voter ID laws, using the terms of a promotion by the famous restaurant chain Olive Garden to illustrate the lack of a federal law.
Scalise said, 'If you go to Olive Garden for the never-ending pasta, they tell you you need to show ID.' He also reminded that Democrats themselves require ID to attend their own 2024 National Convention.
Scalise said, 'Democrats say this prevents people from participating, but Democrats themselves won't let you go to their convention without showing ID. I'm not against them requiring ID – but by the way, everyone understands this and everyone accepts it in polls. Whether you're Black, white, Hispanic, Republican, Democrat or independent, you understand that showing ID makes sense because it protects your right to vote.'
The Republican leader stressed that ID is also required for everyday activities like boarding a plane or buying alcohol, saying, 'What about the privilege of American democracy? Let's prove who you are and make sure illegal individuals cannot vote in American elections.'
Republicans support the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and point to polls showing broad public support for the measure. The bill has passed the House but is stalled in the Senate due to Democratic opposition.
Democrats argue that such laws would lead to voter suppression, creating additional barriers especially for women and those who vote by mail. A provision in the bill that gives the Department of Homeland Security access to state voter rolls is also a point of contention.
During these debates, Republicans cited Olive Garden's 'Never-Ending Pasta Pass' promotion launched this month. The promotion offers unlimited pasta for 13 weeks for $100, but requires a photo ID when ordering to prevent the same card from being used by multiple people.
House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil also referenced the same example while discussing a separate voter ID measure. Steil said, 'The never-ending pasta bowl is back at Olive Garden. I used to work at Olive Garden, so this is close to my heart. But to protect the integrity of their pasta program, Olive Garden, as you can see, has introduced a photo ID requirement.'
Another measure that would require photo ID even for voting by mail passed the House earlier this week with the support of only 13 Democrats.
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