Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed government funding package failed to pass on Wednesday, just days before an impending shutdown on 1 October. The bill, which included a six-month stopgap funding measure and the controversial Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) Act, was rejected by a narrow margin of 202 to 220 votes, with 14 House Republicans and almost all House Democrats opposing it.
Former President Donald Trump had pressured Johnson to include “election security” provisions in the bill, but critics argue that the Save Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, is unnecessary as non-citizens are already prohibited from voting. After the bill’s defeat, Johnson may turn his focus to a “clean” continuing resolution without the Save Act attached to avoid a government shutdown.
Criticism has been directed at Johnson, with some accusing him of holding a doomed vote only to eventually pass a clean funding bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to prevent a shutdown, as the bill’s unlikely passage in the Senate was acknowledged.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warned House Republicans that a shutdown so close to the upcoming election could harm the party’s reputation with voters and cost them seats in Congress. Despite the setback, Johnson remains determined to find a solution to prevent a government shutdown and ensure the continued operation of essential services.
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