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Jimmy Williams
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal that would have temporarily funded the federal government while mandating that states require proof of citizenship to register to vote. The 220-202 vote highlighted deep divisions within the GOP and marked a key setback for Johnson as the clock ticks toward a potential government shutdown on October 1.
Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, had linked the funding bill with the controversial SAVE Act, which would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Although proof of citizenship is already required in most cases, Johnson argued that the legislation was necessary to protect the integrity of elections, citing concerns that even a small number of noncitizen voters could sway close races.
“It’s very, very serious stuff, and that’s why we’re going to do the right thing,” Johnson said. “We’re going to responsibly fund the government and we’re going to stop noncitizens voting in elections.”
However, Johnson faced opposition from within his own party. Some Republicans objected to the proposed spending levels, while others opposed any short-term funding measures, known as continuing resolutions (CRs). Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the bill, saying it would disenfranchise millions of Americans who lack easy access to documents like birth certificates or passports.
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., dismissed the measure as political grandstanding aimed at energizing the Republican base. “This is Republican theatrics that are meant to appease the most extreme members of their conference,” Aguilar said. “This is about demonizing immigrants, plain and simple.”
The bill would have funded federal agencies at current levels through March 28, 2025, buying time for lawmakers to finalize a full-year spending agreement. However, Democrats and some Republicans have pushed for a shorter extension, one that would keep the government open past the upcoming election and give Congress more time to craft a bipartisan solution.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized Johnson’s strategy, calling it “unworkable” and noting that the SAVE Act would be dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate. “The only thing that will accomplish is to make clear that he’s running into a dead end,” Schumer said. “We must have a bipartisan plan instead.”
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., added his voice to those warning against a government shutdown, cautioning that such an outcome would be politically damaging for the GOP heading into the 2024 election. “The one thing you cannot have is a government shutdown,” McConnell said. “It would be politically beyond stupid for us to do that right before the election.”
Despite the bill’s failure, Johnson is expected to put forward an alternative plan soon to prevent a partial shutdown at the end of the month. Republicans are under pressure to find a solution, with both sides warning of the potential political fallout from a government shutdown.
