House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is facing a potential government shutdown as he pushes to attach a controversial voting bill to a measure extending government funding. Johnson’s plan involves a six-month extension of the current fiscal year’s funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), coupled with the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires proof of citizenship in voter registration.
While Johnson remains steadfast in his approach, growing unease within the House GOP threatens the plan’s success. At least six Republican lawmakers have publicly voiced their opposition, citing concerns about the bill’s impact on the upcoming election and the potential for a government shutdown. Several lawmakers also oppose CRs as a matter of principle, seeing them as unnecessary extensions of government spending.
Adding to the challenge, the bill faces an uphill battle in the Democrat-controlled Senate, making its passage unlikely. This scenario has led some Republicans to advocate for a shorter-term CR without any additional legislation, potentially delaying the contentious issue until after the election.
Despite the opposition, Johnson remains determined to link the SAVE Act to the CR, arguing it’s the right approach. The bill is scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, with Democrats likely to oppose it, given the opposition from their leaders in the House, Senate, and the White House.
With a narrow majority and multiple defections within his own party, Johnson will likely need Democratic support to pass the measure in the House. However, with the Senate unlikely to approve the bill, the move appears more symbolic than practical, potentially setting the stage for a post-election showdown over voting regulations.
