The House of Representatives is facing a potential government shutdown as they grapple with a bill designed to avert the crisis while simultaneously addressing election security. The plan, spearheaded by Speaker Mike Johnson, combines a six-month extension of federal funding, known as a continuing resolution (CR), with the controversial “Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.” This act mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, a measure that has been met with strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.
The legislation successfully navigated a key hurdle by passing the House Rules Committee, a crucial step before reaching the floor for a vote. However, the bill’s future remains uncertain, as at least five House Republicans have publicly voiced their dissent. Johnson’s slim majority – a mere four votes – means he’ll likely need some Democratic support to secure passage.
The House faces a September 30 deadline to find a solution, otherwise nonessential government programs could be suspended and thousands of federal employees furloughed. Both parties agree that a CR is necessary to grant more time for negotiating fiscal year 2025 federal spending. The House has already passed four of twelve appropriations bills, while the Senate, under Democratic control, has yet to approve any.
House GOP leaders are using the looming fiscal pressure as leverage to push Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer into holding a vote on the SAVE Act. This move is backed by former President Trump, but Democratic leaders view the act as a nonstarter, labeling it “partisan and extreme.” The White House has also issued a veto threat.
The potential government shutdown is further complicated by the upcoming elections. A CR lasting until March would mean that the next White House – possibly led by either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris – and a new Congress would be responsible for resolving the funding debate.
With the pressure mounting, Speaker Johnson must navigate a tightrope walk, facing internal opposition within his own party while also potentially relying on Democratic support to avert a shutdown. The upcoming votes promise to be highly charged, revealing the depths of the partisan divide that currently grips Washington.
