Government shutdown delay/ House spending bill/ Johnson vote delay/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote on a stopgap spending bill that aimed to fund federal programs for six months, citing a lack of support. The bill includes a controversial requirement for proof of citizenship when registering to vote. As a government shutdown looms, Johnson expressed optimism about reaching a consensus within the Republican party.
Speaker Johnson Delays Spending Bill Vote: Quick Looks
- Vote Delayed: Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the vote on a temporary spending bill due to insufficient support.
- Shutdown Looms: A government shutdown could occur if no funding bill is passed by October 1.
- Voter Citizenship Requirement: The bill included a requirement for proof of citizenship when registering to vote, a key sticking point.
- Democratic Opposition: Democrats oppose the bill, calling for bipartisan cooperation on a short-term spending measure.
- Republican Divisions: Some Republicans object to the bill’s spending levels and the continued reliance on stopgap measures.
Speaker Johnson Delays Vote on Spending Bill Amid Shutdown Threat
Deep Look
Speaker Mike Johnson pulled a scheduled vote on a stopgap spending bill Wednesday, just weeks ahead of a potential partial government shutdown. The bill, which would have kept federal agencies and programs funded for six months past the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, lacked sufficient support to pass. One of the key points of contention was a provision requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, a measure Johnson linked to securing elections.
The decision to delay the vote comes as the deadline to avoid a government shutdown approaches. The stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution, would have funded the government through March 28, continuing current spending levels. However, opposition emerged within Johnson’s own party, with some Republicans arguing the bill perpetuated what they consider to be excessive spending. Others have taken issue with the continued use of stopgap measures, advocating instead for a return to passing the 12 annual spending bills separately, rather than bundling them into large, last-minute packages.
“No vote today because we’re in the consensus-building business here in Congress,” Johnson said, defending the decision to postpone the vote. “With small majorities, that’s what you do. We’re having thoughtful conversations within the Republican conference, and I believe we’ll get there.”
While Johnson initially expressed his intent to move forward with the vote, cracks in the Republican support for the bill became apparent. A significant faction within the GOP opposed not only the citizenship verification requirement but also the broader spending levels. Republican opponents view the spending as excessive, despite it being at levels previously agreed to in last year’s bipartisan budget deal.
The citizenship provision has sparked particular controversy, with Johnson maintaining that it is necessary to secure elections. “Congress has a lot of responsibilities, but two primary obligations — responsibly fund the government and make sure that our elections are free and fair and secure,” he said. However, critics argue that there is little evidence of noncitizens voting, as it is already illegal, and research shows that such cases are extremely rare.
Democratic Opposition and Shutdown Concerns
On the other side of the aisle, Democrats have voiced strong opposition to the measure, particularly its voter citizenship mandate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders called on Johnson to work on a bipartisan stopgap bill free of what they described as “poison pills” like the voter requirement. Schumer expressed frustration with the delay, urging Republicans to negotiate a measure that could pass both the Democratic-led Senate and the White House.
“Republicans should work with Democrats on a bipartisan package, one that avoids harmful cuts and one that is free of poison pills,” Schumer said. “We’re ready to sit down and work with them immediately.”
Without a funding bill in place by October 1, the federal government faces the prospect of a partial shutdown, which would disrupt a range of services and furlough hundreds of thousands of government employees.
Republican Divisions and Trump’s Influence
Complicating matters further, former President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to hold out for election security measures, encouraging a shutdown if necessary to achieve that goal. Trump’s comments have emboldened some within the GOP who are hesitant to compromise on the voter registration requirement. He posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Republicans should not move forward with a stopgap measure without “assurances on Election Security.”
However, not all Republican leaders agree with Trump’s stance. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed the idea of a government shutdown, calling it a “bad idea” under any circumstances. McConnell’s comments reflect a desire to avoid the political fallout that often accompanies a shutdown, particularly in the weeks leading up to an election.
Looking Ahead
As time runs out, Johnson and other House leaders will need to negotiate a path forward that satisfies both their party and the broader legislative process. With significant opposition from Democrats and divisions within the Republican Party, the future of the stopgap bill remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the looming threat of a partial government shutdown adds urgency to reaching a resolution before the new fiscal year begins on October 1.
