House Speaker Mike Johnson takes decisive action to avert a government shutdown while addressing election integrity concerns.
Fox News reported that Johnson announced a House vote on a six-month continuing resolution (CR) with the attached Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This move aims to fund the government and implement measures to prevent noncitizen voting.
The proposed bill combines a six-month extension of current government funding levels with provisions requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship for voter registration and remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. Johnson emphasized the dual obligation of Congress to responsibly fund the federal government and ensure election security.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions within the Republican party. Some representatives have expressed strong opposition to the continuing resolution, citing concerns about ongoing high levels of government spending.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky criticized the proposal on social media, stating that it does not responsibly fund the government and continues "profligate spending." He described the addition of the SAVE Act as a "bright shiny object" that does not address the underlying spending issues.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also voiced her disapproval, characterizing the move as a "classic bait and switch" that would ultimately disappoint Republican voters. She argued that the only effective way to enact the SAVE Act would be to refuse to pass a CR until the Senate and President agree to it, even if it means risking a government shutdown.
Most Democrats oppose the CR with the SAVE Act attached, and the Biden administration has threatened to veto such a measure if it reaches the President's desk. This opposition sets the stage for a potential showdown between the two parties.
The proposed bill's fate remains uncertain, given the divided responses it has received. Some Republicans, like Representative Chip Roy of Texas, who sponsored the SAVE Act, have criticized fellow party members who are threatening to vote against Johnson's continuing resolution.
Representative Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin defended the SAVE Act, citing instances of noncitizens being found on voter rolls in several states. He accused Democrats of being willing to shut down the government to prevent the bill's passage.
The timing of this proposal, coming just a month before the election, has raised concerns about its potential impact on the electoral process. Some representatives argue that even if passed, the SAVE Act would come too late to significantly affect this year's election procedures.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for the SAVE Act but has also urged Republicans not to move forward with a continuing resolution without "absolute assurances on Election Security."
The proposed six-month CR would extend the government funding debate into March, potentially placing it in the hands of a new administration and Congress following the upcoming election. This timeline adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue, as it could significantly influence future budget negotiations and election integrity measures.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a six-month continuing resolution with the SAVE Act attached to prevent a government shutdown and address noncitizen voting concerns. The bill has faced opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, with critics arguing it either goes too far or not far enough. The proposal's timing, just before the election, has raised questions about its potential impact on upcoming votes. If passed, it would extend the funding debate into the next administration, potentially reshaping future budget and election integrity discussions.
