Republican leaders are grappling with a potential government shutdown as former President Donald Trump backs a controversial voting bill.
According to Daily Mail, the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in presidential elections, has become a focal point in negotiations over a must-pass federal funding package due by September 30.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to balance Trump's support for the SAVE Act with Democrats' vow to block any deal, including the law. The situation has created a tense standoff, with only 26 days remaining before a potential government shutdown.
Trump has expressed strong support for the SAVE Act, stating he would be willing to shut down the government if necessary to ensure its passage. During an appearance on the "Monica Crowley Show," Trump declared, "I would shut down the government in a heartbeat if they don't get it."
The former president's backing has put additional pressure on Republican leaders to include the voting law in the funding package despite the risks of a shutdown.
Speaker Johnson is considering attaching the SAVE Act to a continuing resolution (CR) that would maintain current government funding levels until March 2025. However, this strategy faces significant opposition from Democrats, who have pledged to block any deal containing the voting measure.
The situation is further complicated by the slim Republican majority in the House. Even if all Republicans support the CR with the SAVE Act included, they would still need some Democratic votes to pass the measure.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that any funding bill containing the SAVE Act would be "dead on arrival" in the Senate. This stance leaves little room for compromise and increases the likelihood of a government shutdown.
Some Republicans are concerned that Senate Democrats could strip the SAVE Act from the funding package and send it back to the House, potentially shifting blame for a shutdown onto the GOP. This scenario has led to debate within the party about the best path forward.
Proponents of the SAVE Act argue that it is necessary to prevent non-citizens from voting in U.S. elections. The bill would require voters to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register and vote in presidential elections. Critics, however, contend that existing laws already prohibit non-citizens from voting in federal elections. They argue that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise eligible voters who may have difficulty obtaining the required documentation.
With less than a month remaining before the September 30 deadline, pressure is mounting on Republican leaders to find a solution. Some within the party are urging caution, warning that a government shutdown could harm their electoral prospects.
Others, emboldened by Trump's support, believe that taking a stand on election integrity could energize their base. This internal debate reflects the broader tensions within the Republican Party as it navigates the upcoming election cycle.
In conclusion, the government funding negotiations have become entangled with a controversial voting bill backed by Trump. Republican leaders must balance the demands of their base with the practical realities of passing legislation in a divided government. As the deadline approaches, the risk of a government shutdown looms large, with potential political consequences for both parties.
