House Republicans were in disagreement after Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal to extend government funding failed, causing a division within the GOP conference. The proposal, which tied a 6-month funding stopgap to a bill banning non-citizens from voting (known as the SAVE Act), faced a vote in the House. The final vote resulted in 202 in favor and 220 against, with 14 Republicans voting against it and two Republicans voting present. Additionally, three Democrats voted for the bill.
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the Speaker's strategy, stating that the failure to pass the funding extension was a result of not being in session for the entire month of August when the 12 separate appropriations bills could have been addressed.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, posting on Truth Social and urging lawmakers to allow the government to shut down rather than pass a funding extension without the SAVE Act included. However, some Republicans, like Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, expressed skepticism about this approach, emphasizing that Speaker Mike Johnson was not in favor of such a move.
New York Rep. Mike Lawler, who supported the legislation, emphasized the importance of keeping the government funded with only 48 days left until the election. He stated that a continuing resolution (CR) would be passed to ensure the government's operations are maintained.
Despite the differing opinions within the GOP, Rep. Marc Molinaro, a vulnerable Republican from New York, indicated his stance against a government shutdown, highlighting the need to support the continuity of government.
