Speaker Mike Johnson Faces GOP Revolt on Government Funding

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House Speaker Mike Johnson has set the stage for a critical vote to prevent a government shutdown, but his decision to attach the controversial Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act has sparked dissent within his own party. The vote, aimed at extending government funding for six months through a continuing resolution (CR), includes provisions to crack down on noncitizen voting. While Johnson framed this as a necessary step to protect election integrity, some Republicans are growing frustrated with the Speaker’s strategy.

A continuing resolution (CR) is a stopgap measure that allows the federal government to continue operating at current spending levels temporarily. It is typically used when Congress has not passed a full budget by the fiscal year deadline. While CRs prevent an immediate government shutdown, they do not address longer-term spending reforms or budget concerns. Critics argue that relying on CRs perpetuates inefficiencies in government spending, leading to a continuation of programs and funding levels that may no longer be effective. Johnson’s proposal includes a six-month CR, but the inclusion of the SAVE Act, which seeks to prevent noncitizen voting, has added controversy to the plan.

What is the SAVE Act?

The SAVE Act is a bill designed to strengthen voter registration laws by requiring states to verify proof of citizenship for anyone registering to vote. The act also mandates that states remove any noncitizens already listed on voter rolls. Johnson and his supporters argue that this measure is crucial to preventing voter fraud and ensuring that only U.S. citizens can cast ballots in American elections.

However, opposition to the act is strong, particularly among Democrats, who argue that it addresses a problem that doesn’t exist. Numerous studies have found no widespread evidence of noncitizen voting, and critics say the bill would disproportionately affect minority voters, who may find it more difficult to provide proof of citizenship. Even some Republicans, including moderates like Rep. Massie, are pushing back, suggesting that Johnson’s focus on the SAVE Act detracts from the pressing issue of government spending.

Opposition from Within the GOP

The resistance to Johnson’s funding proposal comes from several angles. Rep. Thomas Massie was among the first to voice his discontent, accusing the Speaker of continuing the same reckless government spending that has plagued Washington for years. Massie criticized Johnson for attaching the SAVE Act, which he sees as a distraction from the real issue at hand—reducing government expenditures. Massie’s frustration was echoed by other House Republicans who believe Johnson’s CR does little to address the core fiscal challenges facing the U.S. government.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also chimed in, accusing Johnson of not fighting hard enough. She claims that Johnson is unwilling to allow a government shutdown, which she believes is the only way to force the Democrats to accept the SAVE Act. Greene has gone as far as to call Johnson’s tactics a “bait and switch,” accusing him of working with Democrats to pass a clean CR behind the scenes.

Growing Frustration in the Senate

Across the Capitol, Senate Republicans are growing weary of the House’s inability to pass a funding resolution. With just days before the government runs out of money, GOP senators are signaling they might bypass Johnson and work directly with Senate Democrats to pass a clean CR. This move would fund the government through December, but without any controversial provisions like the SAVE Act.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville called the current situation a “debacle,” particularly for military funding, while Sen. Susan Collins expressed doubts about the House’s ability to move forward with Johnson’s plan. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that a shutdown would hurt ordinary Americans the most, and he urged the Speaker to drop his proposal and work on a bipartisan extension to avoid disaster.

Other Republicans, like Sen. James Lankford, echoed these concerns, noting that government shutdowns rarely save money and often end up costing taxpayers more in the long run. He urged the House to find a solution that avoids a shutdown, especially so close to a presidential election.

Will Mike Johnson Hold On?

With pressure mounting from both the House and Senate, Johnson faces an uphill battle to push his CR through Congress. While some conservative Republicans insist on attaching the SAVE Act, the Speaker may need Democratic support to prevent a government shutdown. This situation has created a complex dynamic, where Johnson’s leadership is being tested from all sides.

Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in, urging Republicans to hold firm on election security measures, further complicating Johnson’s position. As the October 1 deadline looms, Johnson’s ability to navigate these political tensions will determine whether the government stays open or slips into a costly shutdown. How Johnson navigates this crisis could define his tenure as Speaker. If he manages to pass his CR, it may come at the cost of losing support from some within his own party. But if he fails, the consequences could be even more severe, with a shutdown looming just weeks before the 2024 election.

Will Mike Johnson’s leadership help prevent a government shutdown? Tell us what you think?

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