[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.
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