Additional Coverage:
As Congress reconvenes in Washington D.C. this Monday, following a summer break, a critical deadline looms with the government funding set to expire on September 30, risking a potential shutdown. However, partisan tensions are expected to escalate first as Republicans and Democrats clash over voter eligibility in this election year.
In a confidential call last Wednesday with the House Republican Conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson presented his strategy to dodge a government shutdown, proposing a temporary funding bill that would extend federal funding until March 2025. This bill, however, would include a significant policy mandate that Democrats have cautioned could derail the funding legislation. Johnson plans to seek a vote on this plan early next week, though the schedule for the floor vote remains unconfirmed at this stage.
Historically, key policy items are often attached to essential short-term funding bills by House leaders to leverage urgent bills to pass significant legislative demands of their members. This instance is expected to be similar, with Johnson aiming to link the SAVE Act—a legislation mandate requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voters—to the funding bill.
During a recent campaign event, Johnson expressed concern about the approaching funding deadline. Although the proposed bill’s passage seems uncertain, Johnson’s maneuver could provide a legislative point of reference for GOP members in their electoral campaigns. However, opposition from Senate Democrats seems likely, particularly around the SAVE Act, setting up a potential standoff between both legislative bodies as elections draw near.
The SAVE Act, supported by former President Donald Trump and the House Freedom Caucus, aims to tighten citizenship verification for voters in federal elections. Despite its House approval with some bipartisan support, its inclusion in the upcoming funding vote remains contentious.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has labeled the SAVE Act as extreme, warning it could disenfranchise millions of legal voters. Amidst these tensions, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre urged Republicans to abandon the SAVE Act and opt for a clean continuing resolution without additional legislative conditions.
Yet, the possibility of resolving appropriations within this tight timeline remains uncertain. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray referred to Johnson’s plan as unrealistic, echoing sentiments of continued bipartisan efforts to prevent a shutdown without divisive conditions.
Senate Major Leader Chuck Schumer also emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in passing a clean funding extension, hinting at potential resistance to partisan encroachments in essential government funding legislation.
Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson, under pressure to navigate these legislative challenges, previously assured that no recess would occur until all appropriation bills had passed—a goal that remains unmet as the Senate has yet to pass any appropriations bills. As the government funding deadline approaches once more, Congress faces the challenge of fulfilling its financial obligations without further complicating an already difficult legislative environment.