Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson has introduced a short-term spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, but it notably excludes the SAVE Act, which would have mandated proof of citizenship for voter registration. This decision has incited backlash from MAGA supporters and conservative figures who perceive it as a capitulation to Democratic interests and a failure to uphold election integrity.
The new spending proposal, a three-month Continuing Resolution (CR), aims to fund the government through December 20, 2024, and includes essential extensions to avoid immediate shutdown. Johnson’s previous attempt to include the SAVE Act was rejected by a bipartisan majority in the House, leading to a swift pivot towards a more moderate approach that aligns with Democratic leadership preferences. Critics within his party, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed disappointment, arguing that the exclusion of the SAVE Act undermines efforts to secure election integrity. As the deadline for government funding looms, Johnson’s strategy reflects the delicate balance he must maintain between appeasing hardline conservatives and ensuring bipartisan cooperation to avoid a shutdown.
Key Points of the Short-Term Spending Bill
- Funding Duration: The CR will fund the government until December 20, 2024, allowing for negotiations to continue post-election.
- Exclusion of the SAVE Act: Johnson’s decision to omit the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration, has drawn ire from conservative factions within the GOP.
- Bipartisan Support: The revised bill is expected to receive support from both Democrats and moderate Republicans, reflecting a shift towards a more collaborative legislative approach.
- Political Context: With the upcoming elections, Johnson faces pressure to avoid a government shutdown that could adversely affect his party’s chances, while simultaneously managing dissent from the right flank of his caucus.
Reactions and Implications
- Conservative Backlash: Many MAGA supporters and conservative commentators have criticized Johnson for “caving” to Democratic demands, viewing his actions as a betrayal of core Republican principles.
- Democratic Response: Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have welcomed the bipartisan negotiations, indicating a willingness to collaborate on funding measures that avoid the pitfalls of previous shutdowns.
- Future Challenges: The passage of this CR does not eliminate the risk of future funding disputes, particularly as Congress approaches the December deadline, where new negotiations will be necessary to secure long-term funding solutions.
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