House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has revealed a strategy to prevent a partial government shutdown at the end of this month. The plan was discussed during a lawmaker-only phone call on Wednesday morning.
Johnson aims to schedule a vote on the measure as soon as possible, likely next week, according to sources familiar with the call. The proposal involves linking a short-term extension of this fiscal year's federal funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to the Republican-backed Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The SAVE Act would mandate proof of citizenship in the voter registration process to address concerns about noncitizens participating in U.S. elections.
If approved, the bill would postpone the federal funding dispute to March, allowing the new administration and congressional term to determine the next steps in the shutdown scenario.
While some Democrats supported the SAVE Act when it passed the House in July, party leaders have criticized the measure as redundant since it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.
Senior Republican lawmakers had initially proposed a short-term funding extension into December to avoid legislative congestion in the new year. Johnson defended his plan during the call, arguing that a December CR would likely lead to another extension into the new year.
During the call, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., raised concerns about the border crisis and advocated for including the Laken Riley Act in the CR. This act, named after a college student allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant, would facilitate the detention and deportation of migrants who commit illegal acts.
Despite some Republican reservations, Johnson emphasized the importance of their plan and the need to stand firm. Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for the proposal, urging House Republicans to leverage a shutdown to advance the March CR and SAVE Act.
If the plan secures House approval, it is unlikely to progress in the Senate, as Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the necessity of bipartisan cooperation for legislative progress.
A spokesperson for Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a key figure in the CR plus SAVE Act plan, highlighted the bipartisan backing the SAVE Act received in the House.
