On Wednesday, the House failed to pass a six-month GOP government funding plan that included a controversial measure targeting noncitizen voting. The bill, which was supported by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, was defeated with a vote of 202 to 220. Fourteen Republicans voted against it, two Republicans voted present, and three Democrats voted for it.
The defeat of the bill highlights divisions within the Republican party and raises concerns about a potential government shutdown as funding runs out at the end of the month. Speaker Mike Johnson now faces the challenge of pivoting to a Plan B to avoid a shutdown, although his next steps remain unclear.
While a 'clean' funding extension without the voting provisions is seen as the most viable option to prevent a shutdown, Trump has been pressuring Republicans to include the voting measure. Trump warned that if Republicans do not receive assurances on election security, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution.
The proposed six-month funding plan would have extended government funding until March 2025 and included the SAVE Act, a bill requiring documentary proof of US citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Despite the fact that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, the measure has faced opposition.
Many Republicans are urging Congress to avoid a shutdown, especially with the election just 47 days away. Senate GOP Whip John Thune expressed concerns about the potential impact of a shutdown on the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan plan.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the speaker's plan to hold a vote on the GOP funding proposal, stating that it would only lead to a dead end. Schumer emphasized the importance of a bipartisan approach to government funding.
