Former President Donald Trump recently made a last-minute private pitch to some House Republicans regarding a hardline funding strategy that differs significantly from the one Speaker Mike Johnson is set to bring to the floor. This information comes from two GOP sources familiar with the conversation.
Trump reportedly reached out to several House Republicans, including two who had voted against the initial proposal on the floor the previous week. During these conversations, he emphasized the importance of adding voting measures to the government funding proposal. However, this stance contrasts with Johnson's upcoming plan for Wednesday's floor session, following the failure of the initial proposal that included a measure requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
As a result of the initial plan's setback, Johnson had to pivot and seek Democratic support for a bipartisan bill, which is anticipated to pass with ease later on Wednesday. In a call with one GOP lawmaker on Tuesday, Trump expressed his desire for the lawmaker to vote 'Yes' if the initial plan, including the voting measure, were to resurface.
