House Democratic leader rejected a proposal from Speaker Mike Johnson that would tie government funding for six months to a measure requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote. The response sets the stage for a spending battle as lawmakers aim to reach consensus on a short-term spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.
The proposal by Johnson aims to defer final decisions on full-year spending to the next Congress, a move supported by some Republicans who believe it will be more favorable for their funding and policy priorities. However, House Democrats argue that the appropriations process should be completed in the current Congress without partisan policy changes.
Lawmakers are returning to Washington after the August recess and are far from finalizing the annual appropriations bills needed to fund government agencies in the upcoming fiscal year. As a result, a stopgap measure will be necessary.
The inclusion of a voter registration mandate in the House bill has complicated the process. Republicans argue that requiring proof of citizenship would enhance confidence in the federal election system, while opponents fear it could disenfranchise millions of Americans without easy access to the required documents.
Senate Democrats have also opposed Johnson's proposal, labeling it as 'pure partisan posturing.' The White House has indicated that President Biden would veto the bill if it reaches his desk, citing existing safeguards to verify voter eligibility.
While the bill allocates $10 billion for a disaster relief fund, the White House contends it falls short of the necessary funding for various disaster relief programs. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that long-term continuing resolutions, like the current one, negatively impact military readiness and critical priorities.
