Johnson Ties Voter Registration ID Requirement to Temporary Spending Bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is moving forward with a temporary spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown set to begin on October 1. This decision comes despite setbacks that forced him to withdraw the bill the previous week.
The proposed bill requires individuals registering to vote to present proof of citizenship, a high-priority issue for Republicans, especially during election years, as they warn about potential noncitizen voting in U.S. elections, according to The Associated Press.
“I urge all of my colleagues to do what the overwhelming majority of the people of this country rightfully demand and deserve — prevent non-American citizens from voting in American elections,” Johnson stated on Tuesday.
When asked about alternative plans to fund the government, Johnson said he wasn't prepared to discuss other options. “I’m not having any alternative conversations. That’s the play. It’s an important one. And I’m going to work around the clock to try and get it done,” he told reporters, as reported by the AP.
On the other hand, Democratic leaders have voiced opposition to the measure, maintaining their stance against election integrity measures that recent polls show are supported by many Americans across the political spectrum.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) remarked, “The only thing that will accomplish is make clear that he’s running into a dead end. We must have a bipartisan plan instead.”
The AP further reported that the legislation aims to fund government agencies at current levels while lawmakers negotiate a full-year spending agreement. Some Republicans and Democrats support a short-term extension, which would allow Congress to finalize the bill after the election, sending it to President Joe Biden for approval.
However, Johnson and several conservative members of his party are advocating for a six-month extension, hoping that a win by Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming election would give them more leverage in shaping the full-year spending plan, as noted by the AP.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell declined to comment on the proposed length of the funding extension, stating that Schumer and Johnson will ultimately have to negotiate a final agreement that can pass both chambers.
Earlier this month, Johnson, prompted by former President Donald Trump and conservative Republicans, considered adding a major immigration enforcement provision, known as the SAVE Act, to a must-pass spending bill just weeks before the November election.
According to Punchbowl News, “The speaker is under pressure from hardline conservatives and former President Donald Trump to attach the SAVE Act to the CR [continuing resolution] even if it risks a shutdown.” Additionally, the news service reported that congressional conservatives are pushing for a CR lasting “until next year, hoping that Trump will be back in office.”
Jake Sherman from Punchbowl shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the CR would extend beyond Election Day, running until March 2025.
Meanwhile, Trump discussed the SAVE Act, illegal immigration under Vice President Kamala Harris, and his support for a government shutdown if necessary, during a podcast interview with former Fox News host Monica Crowley.
Crowley asked, “Mr. President—election integrity and the Harris no-borders policy. It’s not open borders, it’s no borders, which, of course, now she’s trying to run away from. You support the SAVE Act, which would block non-citizens from voting in this election and in the future. Do you support adding the SAVE Act to the spending bill that Congress is going to take up next month in September to try to get it into law before this election?”
Trump replied, “Absolutely. And I think you should also change your elections to paper ballots. I think you should get a lot of things for that. That’s a big deal. When they extend that bill, they’ll extend it again and again. The Republicans ought to try and get some things for a change—the House and the Senate—they ought to go for getting things. They don’t get anything. They extend everything. Then it comes due.”