The Republicans are pushing back against the Democrats' stance on voter ID, claiming that Olive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Pass is a more secure system than the U.S. election process.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) tweeted on Thursday that American elections should not be less secure than Olive Garden's endless pasta, calling for the passage of the SAVE America Act.
Olive Garden has a strict policy for its Never-Ending Pasta Pass, requiring passholders to present a valid photo ID along with the pass at the time of ordering, and warning that passes are personalized and non-transferable.
The pass, which went on sale at 2 p.m. Thursday, offers 13 weeks of never-ending pasta, sauces, and protein toppings, along with soup or salad and breadsticks, for $100 each, plus tax.
White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson commented on the situation, joking that Olive Garden takes pasta pass security more seriously than Democrats are taking election security.
The SAVE America Act would require stronger documentation to prove that people registering to vote are U.S. citizens, a measure that has been pushed by President Donald Trump.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) lacks the 60 votes needed to advance the bill, and has been encouraged to change Senate rules to bypass the filibuster.
