House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to move forward with a bill that includes a provision requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, despite facing significant opposition. The measure is part of an effort to prevent a partial government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. However, the bill is expected to be voted down, with Democrats largely against it and enough Republicans also expressing opposition for various reasons.
The issue at hand revolves around election security, with proponents arguing that verifying citizenship is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. While research indicates that instances of non-citizens voting are rare, supporters of the bill contend that even a small number of ineligible voters could potentially impact election outcomes significantly.
The bill, which includes a six-month extension of federal funding to keep government operations running until March 28, faces a procedural vote on Tuesday and a final House vote on Wednesday. Democrats are pushing for a shorter-term funding extension to allow the current Congress to set full-year spending levels for fiscal year 2025, rather than leaving it to the next administration.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill as a partisan measure that is unlikely to become law, urging Speaker Johnson to collaborate with Democratic leaders and the White House on a bipartisan solution. Some House Republicans have also voiced opposition to the bill, with concerns ranging from the need to pass individual appropriations bills to objections over funding levels amidst growing deficits.
Despite the challenges, House Republicans are determined to proceed with the bill, aiming to force Democrats in competitive districts to take a stance on the proof of citizenship requirement ahead of the upcoming election. The previous vote on this issue saw bipartisan support, and the upcoming vote is expected to be closely watched.
While no alternative plan for government funding was discussed, Speaker Johnson remains resolute in his commitment to holding a vote on the bill, emphasizing the importance of the issue at hand. The outcome of the upcoming votes will shape the path forward for government funding and election security measures.
