Speaker Johnson threatens shutdown to amplify Trump’s election claims

Congress has reconvened in Washington this week, and House Speaker Mike Johnson is quickly making headlines for unorthodox maneuvers that focus more on partisan theatrics than addressing the needs of the American people.

Rep. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, appears to be primarily serving the interests of former President Donald Trump as he seeks to secure his political future. In his latest proposal to fund the government until March, Johnson has included a controversial measure that invokes one of Trump’s repeated falsehoods: the idea that Democrats benefit from noncitizen voting in federal elections.

This insistence on linking government funding to such incendiary claims seems aimed at scoring political points ahead of the upcoming presidential election in November, rather than providing viable solutions to government operations. Johnson’s actions signal a troubling prioritization of political expediency over responsibility.

On social media, Trump has reinforced his stance, calling for government shutdowns while alleging that Democrats are manipulating voter registrations with “illegal aliens.” Such inflammatory rhetoric raises questions about the rationale and civility of political discourse.

In a recent CNN appearance, Johnson aligned himself with Trump’s unfounded narrative, seemingly disregarding the concerns of some fellow Republicans who advocate for a more measured approach. This reliance on Trump’s baseless claims suggests a worrisome trend where partisan loyalty eclipses the need for sound governance.

The crux of Johnson’s plan hinges on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE), which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. However, this legislation appears designed to disenfranchise those who may struggle to provide such documentation, predominantly affecting potential Democratic voters.

Critics argue that this bill embodies voter suppression disguised as election security. Even though it faces significant hurdles in the Democratic-controlled Senate, its mere introduction perpetuates the fallacy that noncitizen voting is a widespread issue, often exploiting racial fears to rally support.

Historical data show that claims of widespread noncitizen voting are unfounded. Voting by noncitizens has been illegal in federal elections since the 1920s, a point reinforced by legislation from 1996 under then-President Bill Clinton. Notably, Clinton’s affiliation as a Democrat illustrates that the accusations made by current Republicans lack a factual basis.

Within the Republican ranks, there is evident frustration with Johnson’s tactics. Rep. Cory Mills, a Florida Republican who supported the SAVE Act, publicly criticized Johnson’s approach as a “farce,” indicating a divide regarding the efficacy and timing of these proposed measures ahead of the election.

For House Republicans, the prospect of a government shutdown is politically risky, especially considering previous shutdowns have significantly harmed public perception of their party’s economic competence. The last such event, lasting over a month in 2018-2019, resulted in billions in economic losses.

Amid these partisan skirmishes, some lawmakers are addressing the consequences of government inaction. Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota, has advocated for legislation that would suspend congressional pay during government shutdowns. This measure seeks to impose accountability on lawmakers who currently face no financial repercussions as federal employees suffer through periods without pay.

Her proposal reflects a straightforward premise: if Congress plays politics with government funding, they should also share in the consequences faced by the public. Currently, legislators receive $174,000 annually, an amount exceeding the national average, suggesting they are quite insulated from the financial hardships many Americans endure.

Johnson has shown a troubling willingness to disregard the potential fallout of a shutdown, focusing instead on aligning with Trump’s agenda. “I am in this to win this,” he stated recently, despite the lack of support he appears to have from various factions within his own party regarding his strategy.

Ultimately, Johnson’s insistence on perpetuating unfounded claims of noncitizen voting reflects a broader trend where proving the veracity of allegations becomes secondary to maintaining party loyalty and appeasing influential figures like Trump.

The ramifications of such political gamesmanship extend beyond the Capitol’s walls and impact ordinary citizens who depend on their government. As the stakes rise with the upcoming elections, it remains to be seen how these issues will unfold in Congress and beyond.

Source: USA Today