The United States government faces a potential shutdown in less than a month as former President Donald Trump urges Republicans to include strict voting requirements for immigrants in upcoming funding legislation.
According to Daily Mail Online, Trump's backing of the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in presidential elections, has created a contentious situation for Republican leadership trying to pass necessary funding measures by September 30.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to navigate a path forward for federal funding legislation while balancing Trump's demands and Democratic opposition. The situation has put Republican leaders in a difficult position as they try to avoid a government shutdown while addressing concerns about non-citizen voting.
Speaker Johnson has proposed a continuing resolution (CR) that would maintain current government funding levels until March 2025. However, including the SAVE Act in this short-term funding measure has become a point of contention within the party.
Some Republicans are pushing for the inclusion of the SAVE Act, believing it will resonate with voters who are concerned about election integrity. Senator Rick Scott of Florida emphasized the importance of the measure, noting how close his own election was and suggesting that preventing non-citizen voting could impact electoral outcomes.
However, other party members are wary of attaching the controversial measure to must-pass funding legislation. There are concerns that Senate Democrats could strip the SAVE Act from any funding package, potentially shifting blame for a shutdown onto Republicans.
Democratic leadership has made it clear they will not support a funding package that includes the SAVE Act. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that bipartisan cooperation is necessary to pass funding legislation, implying that the inclusion of the voting measure would be a non-starter.
The political landscape has shifted since the SAVE Act was last voted on as a standalone measure in July. At that time, five Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill. However, with changes in the Democratic presidential ticket and increased party pressure, it's unlikely those same Democrats would cross party lines again.
Trump expressed his stance on the issue, stating:
It should be in the bill. And if it's not in the bill, you want to close it up. So I'm not there but, you know, I have influence.
With only 26 days remaining until the September 30 deadline, the pressure is mounting on Congress to reach a funding agreement. The House has passed six of the twelve required appropriations bills, while the Senate has yet to pass any.
Even if both chambers were to pass all twelve bills, they would still need to negotiate versions that could gain majority support in both the House and Senate. This complex process is further complicated by the limited time remaining and the controversy surrounding the SAVE Act.
Some Republicans, particularly those in more moderate districts, have expressed concerns about the potential political fallout of a government shutdown. Representative Nick LaLota reportedly mentioned during a party call that up to 10 Republican seats could be at risk if a shutdown occurs.
The threat of a looming government shutdown is intensified by the debate over including strict voting requirements for immigrants in funding legislation. Trump's influence and Republican divisions on the issue complicate efforts to pass necessary funding measures. With the September 30 deadline approaching, Congress faces significant challenges in reaching a bipartisan agreement that can prevent a shutdown while addressing concerns about election integrity and government spending.
