Speaker Johnson Schedules House Vote on Temporary Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown

In a bid to avert a partial government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson is pressing forward with a temporary spending bill ahead of the new budget year starting on October 1. This decision comes even after set-backs last week led him to withdraw the legislation from consideration.

The proposed bill mandates proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote, a move that has gained traction as a prominent issue for Republicans as they prepare for the upcoming elections. Supporters argue that it addresses concerns about noncitizen voting, despite the fact that such voting is illegal and statistically uncommon.

“I urge all my colleagues to act in accordance with the expectations of the majority of Americans — to prevent noncitizens from participating in our elections,” Johnson stated during a press conference on Tuesday.

However, the path for this legislation appears rocky. While a significant number of Democrats oppose the bill, some Republicans are also expressing dissent, albeit for diverse reasons.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the need for bipartisan collaboration to stave off a government shutdown. He characterized Johnson’s announcement about a House vote as likely to lead nowhere. “This approach will only serve to highlight the deadlock we’re facing,” Schumer remarked. “A bipartisan plan is essential.”

This spending legislation aims to maintain current funding levels for government agencies while negotiations for a long-term budget continue. Democrats, alongside some Republicans, favor a brief extension, which would allow Congress more time to finalize a comprehensive deal after the elections, ultimately sending it to President Joe Biden for approval.

Conversely, Johnson and more conservative factions within the Republican Party are advocating for a six-month extension. Their strategy hinges on the notion that if Republican nominee Donald Trump secures victory in the upcoming election, they will gain increased leverage in future budget discussions.

Schumer voiced concerns regarding a six-month timeline, claiming it would undermine necessary funding for the Pentagon and other critical government services that require stable financial backing. “You cannot effectively run military operations with temporary funding measures,” he expressed.

Despite the challenges ahead, Johnson reiterated his determination to see his proposal through. He mentioned that he would be engaging with colleagues over the weekend to garner support. He asserted that ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections remains paramount, stating, “This is our most pressing issue, and we are committed to getting this done.”

In a related development, Johnson traveled to Florida to meet with Trump, who previously suggested that a government shutdown was a valid option if Republicans could not secure assurances related to election security. Trump aired his views on the social media platform Truth Social, advocating against the move towards a stopgap bill without such guarantees.

The House had previously approved a citizenship proof requirement in July. Some Republican lawmakers, considering the issue favorable among their constituents, are eager for another opportunity to reaffirm their support. Nevertheless, others in the party are expected to oppose the measure due to concerns over what they perceive as excessive spending outlined in the bill.