House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are pushing a bill that ties government funding to a requirement for proof of citizenship for voter registration, such as a birth certificate or passport. The bill, which aims to avoid a government shutdown by September 30, is unlikely to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate. While Republicans argue the measure would ensure only U.S. citizens can vote, critics say it could disenfranchise millions who lack easy access to these documents. Democrats warn that the move could lead to a government shutdown, drawing parallels to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s unsuccessful efforts to appease conservatives. The debate is intensifying as the 2024 election approaches.
Quick Read
- House Speaker Mike Johnson pushes for a vote on a bill to fund the government for six months and require proof of citizenship for voter registration.
- Congress faces a September 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, with the bill expected to face opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
- Johnson’s move is aimed at satisfying the more conservative faction of House Republicans and could strengthen his position if they retain their majority in the next election.
- Democrats strongly oppose the citizenship verification mandate, calling it a partisan move that mirrors the failed strategy of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
- Republican supporters argue that requiring proof of citizenship will enhance election integrity, though opponents say it could disenfranchise millions who lack necessary documents.
- The Biden administration rejects the claim that noncitizen voting is a widespread issue, opposing the measure as unnecessary and harmful.
- Republicans argue that if Senate Democrats refuse to pass the bill, they will be responsible for any potential government shutdown.
- The length of the funding extension is also a point of debate, with some Republicans favoring a longer extension to capitalize on a potential Trump presidency.
- Congress returns to session this week, with a short-term funding bill urgently needed as only five of 12 annual spending bills have passed in the House, and none in the Senate.
House GOP tie Govt funding to citizenship proof for voter registration
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
House Speaker Mike Johnson has aligned with the more conservative faction of his Republican caucus, preparing a vote on a bill that would both keep the federal government funded for six more months and mandate proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, for voter registration. The move comes as Congress faces a September 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, just weeks before the presidential election.
Johnson’s decision to combine government funding with a citizenship verification requirement complicates the bill’s chances, as it is expected to face significant opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate. However, it could bolster Johnson’s standing within his party, especially if House Republicans retain their majority after the election. This could also provide Republicans with a campaign issue in key swing districts as immigration and election integrity remain focal points of their platform. “House Republicans are taking a critically important step to keep the federal government funded and to secure our federal election process,” Johnson said, emphasizing the need for American citizens to control the nation’s elections.
Democrats are expected to oppose the bill and argue that a bipartisan agreement is necessary to avoid a shutdown. Senators Chuck Schumer and Patty Murray warned that Johnson’s strategy mirrors that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who similarly tried to satisfy hardline conservatives but ultimately had to rely on Democratic support to pass a stopgap funding bill last year. That led to McCarthy’s ousting as speaker. “If Johnson drives House Republicans down this highly partisan path, the odds of a shutdown go way up,” Schumer and Murray said.
The proof of citizenship measure is popular with House Republicans, particularly the conservative House Freedom Caucus, which called for its inclusion in any stopgap funding bill. GOP members argue that requiring proof of citizenship would enhance confidence in the election system. However, opponents point out that noncitizens voting in federal elections is already illegal, and this requirement could disenfranchise millions who do not have the necessary documents readily available when they register.
The Biden administration strongly opposes the measure, dismissing claims that noncitizen voting is a significant problem. Still, some Republicans argue that if Senate Democrats refuse to consider the bill, the shutdown responsibility will fall on them. Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., said on Fox Business News, “If Chuck Schumer decides he doesn’t want to bring it, then Chuck Schumer will be deciding that he wants to shut down government.”
Trump and other Republicans have intensified their rhetoric around noncitizen voting, linking it to the broader issue of immigration, which has surged under the Biden administration. Though there is scant evidence of noncitizens voting in federal elections, Republicans claim the issue resonates with voters concerned about election integrity. Another point of contention in the funding debate is the length of the extension. While some Republicans favor an extension until after the next presidential inauguration, the House Freedom Caucus prefers a longer extension to capitalize on a potential Trump victory and solidify GOP priorities, including spending cuts.
Congress returns to Washington this week after a five-week recess, and lawmakers face an urgent need to pass a short-term funding bill. So far, the House has passed five of 12 required annual spending bills, while the Senate has yet to pass any. However, the Senate has taken a more bipartisan approach, moving several bills through its Appropriations Committee with broad support. Republicans in the House are using their majority to pass bills, but these have been largely opposed by Democrats. A bipartisan compromise will be necessary to avoid a government shutdown and ensure the continuation of federal programs and services.
