The House is set to vote Wednesday on Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal to tie federal funding in the upcoming budget year to a new requirement for states to mandate proof of citizenship when people register to vote.
Last week, Johnson withdrew the bill from consideration, stating that he would spend the weekend building support within the Republican Party. It’s still uncertain whether he succeeded, as some GOP members have reservations about maintaining current spending levels.
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Nevertheless, Johnson said he was determined to proceed with the vote.
“I urge all of my colleagues to do what the overwhelming majority of the people of this country rightfully demand and deserve — prevent non-American citizens from voting in American elections,” Johnson said Tuesday.
Democrats are largely opposed to the proposal.
Requiring proof of citizenship for new voters has become a key priority for Republicans ahead of the election, particularly with the massive influx of illegal immigrants that have entered the US.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to avoid a government shutdown and said Johnson’s proposal was unlikely to pass.
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“The only thing that will accomplish is make clear that he’s running into a dead end,” Schumer said. “We must have a bipartisan plan instead.”
Johnson declined to discuss any alternative government funding plans beyond the Wednesday vote.
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