House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a short-term spending bill to avert a government shutdown, linking it to a controversial voter verification bill. The plan aims to require proof of citizenship for voter registration and has drawn both support and opposition from lawmakers. While Republicans believe it addresses concerns about non-citizen voting, Democrats argue it’s unnecessary and could disenfranchise eligible voters.
With a government shutdown looming, House Republicans are demanding a vote on a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. This could lead to a protracted fight with Democrats and potentially a shutdown just weeks before the 2024 election. The move comes amid concerns about election security and is fueled by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s urging for a government shutdown if the bill isn’t passed.
The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that any short-term spending bill include a bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening to trigger a government shutdown if their demand isn’t met. This move puts them at odds with their own GOP colleagues, who prefer a broader approach to government funding. The group’s actions come amidst a larger political battle over government spending and the potential for a shutdown before the November election.
The House of Representatives is heading into a critical period as it returns from its summer recess, facing a potential government shutdown if lawmakers fail to reach a deal on funding the government before the fiscal year ends on September 30th. A continuing resolution (CR) is likely needed to avoid a shutdown, but GOP infighting and a Democrat-controlled Senate could create obstacles to reaching a compromise.
