Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to attach the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) to a short-term spending bill ultimately failed, leading to significant backlash from MAGA supporters. The spending bill, designed to avert a government shutdown, passed without the inclusion of the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Despite Johnson’s efforts to integrate the SAVE Act into a longer-term funding strategy, his proposal was rejected by some members of his party, prompting him to resort to a continuing resolution (CR) that maintains current spending levels. This decision has drawn criticism from conservative factions, who view it as a capitulation to Democratic opposition and a failure to uphold election integrity. Prominent figures within the MAGA movement have expressed their discontent, labeling Johnson as a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) and voicing concerns over the Republican Party’s perceived inability to protect electoral processes. As the spending bill moves forward, critics highlight the political risks Johnson faces, especially with an election approaching, and question his leadership effectiveness in navigating intra-party divisions.
Background on the SAVE Act
The SAVE Act was championed by Donald Trump and aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens can register to vote. Johnson’s initial strategy involved attaching this measure to a six-month funding resolution, but after facing opposition, he opted for a clean three-month CR instead. This move has left many supporters feeling disillusioned, as they perceive it as a missed opportunity to advance critical election integrity legislation.
Legislative Outcome
On September 25, Congress passed the stop-gap spending bill, which will fund the government until December 20. The decision to exclude the SAVE Act from the final legislation has been characterized as a tactical failure for Johnson, who had previously expressed intentions to secure its passage. The bill is now set to be signed by President Joe Biden, further solidifying the current federal spending levels without the proposed voter eligibility requirements.
Reactions from GOP and MAGA Supporters
The reaction from within the Republican Party has been mixed, with some members supporting Johnson’s pragmatic approach to avoid a government shutdown, while others criticize him for not standing firm on the SAVE Act. Prominent conservatives have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, asserting that the GOP continues to fall short in protecting election integrity and expressing doubts about Johnson’s leadership capabilities.
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