Despite growing opposition within his own party, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., pledged on Tuesday to proceed with his government funding proposal, which will be presented on the House floor on Wednesday.
The plan, aimed at preventing a government shutdown by the end of the month, faces significant challenges and is expected to fail, potentially delivering a setback to House Republicans.
With a narrow majority, Republicans can only afford a few defections, but many members have already voiced opposition.
Read: Greenpeace Co-Founder Supports Texas Pipeline Tycoon’s Campaign To Punish His Old Group
Adding to the pressure, former President Donald Trump has urged Johnson and Republicans to refuse any funding bill unless it includes the SAVE Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration.
“If Republicans in the House, and Senate, don’t get absolute assurances on Election Security, THEY SHOULD, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, GO FORWARD WITH A CONTINUING RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET. THE DEMOCRATS ARE TRYING TO “STUFF” VOTER REGISTRATIONS WITH ILLEGAL ALIENS. DON’T LET IT HAPPEN – CLOSE IT DOWN!!!” Trump said on Truth Social.
Johnson aligned with Trump’s stance, tying the six-month continuing resolution (CR) to the SAVE Act. However, this plan faces resistance in the Democrat-controlled Senate, a veto threat from the White House, and opposition from some Republicans who favor a clean CR to keep the government running through December.
“I am in this to win this,” Johnson told reporters at his weekly news conference.
Read: CNN’s Harry Enten Says Harris Has ‘Lot More Room For Movement’ From Debate Than Trump
“We are going to put the SAVE Act and the CR together, and we’re going to move that through the process. And I am resolved to that; we’re not looking at any other alternative. … I think almost 90% of the American people believe in that principle, and that’s why we’re going to stand and fight,” Johnson said.
Despite Johnson’s commitment, it remains uncertain how Republican leadership will manage dissent within the party. They can afford only four GOP defections, but several members, including Reps. Jim Banks, Cory Mills, and Tim Burchett, have already stated their intent to vote against the measure.
Critics, such as Mills, argue the SAVE Act will not adequately address border security or government spending concerns. Other Republicans, like Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., have warned that a government shutdown could hurt the GOP, particularly so close to the election.
Read: Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Demands DOJ Clarify Authority Behind Jack Smith’s Actions In Trump Case
Johnson remains resolute, stating, “You do the right thing and let the chips fall where they may.”
Editors Note: The SAVE Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, is a proposed piece of legislation designed to prevent non-citizens, such as foreign nationals, from voting in U.S. elections. The bill seeks to implement stricter voter eligibility requirements, including mandating proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote in federal elections.
The main purpose of the SAVE Act is to ensure that only U.S. citizens can participate in the electoral process by tightening voter registration rules and safeguarding the integrity of elections.
Advocates argue that it would prevent voter fraud, while critics express concerns about its potential impact on voter access, particularly for eligible citizens who may face difficulties obtaining the necessary documentation.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.