SAVE Act Stalled – Why Some Republicans Said No

A six-month continuing resolution proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson failed in the House as internal GOP divisions widened.

At a Glance

• House rejected Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal linking government funding with proof of citizenship mandate for voter registration.
• The vote was 220-202 against the proposal.
• Lawmakers need to approve a stopgap measure to prevent a partial government shutdown starting October 1.
• Johnson’s proposal faced opposition within the GOP and from Democrats.
• Trump encouraged House Republicans to insist on the SAVE Act.

House Rejects Johnson’s Resolution

The House of Representatives defeated a six-month continuing resolution that would have temporarily funded the government while mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration. Proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson, the bill failed with a 202-220 vote. Opponents from both sides cited concerns over defense spending and fiscal management, with some Republicans advocating for a shorter three-month resolution.

Division within the GOP was evident as Representative Jim Banks criticized the bill for not addressing fiscal sustainability, while Representative Thomas Massie dismissed it as “unserious political theater.” Johnson cited the importance of securing elections by preventing noncitizen voting, a stance supported by former President Donald Trump who emphasized the SAVE Act’s necessity.

Impending Government Shutdown

With an October 1 deadline, lawmakers must approve a stopgap measure to prevent a partial government shutdown. Johnson is expected to pursue an alternative plan, though specifics remain undisclosed. Internal GOP rivalries and past funding issues resurfaced during debates, reflecting the ongoing struggle for a unified stance on budgetary matters.

“It’s very, very serious stuff and that’s why we’re going to do the right thing,” Johnson said. “We’re going to responsibly fund the government and we’re going to stop noncitizens voting in elections.”

House Democrats and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have called for bipartisan cooperation to prevent a shutdown. Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, underscored the necessity of avoiding a government shutdown.

Next Steps and GOP Strategy

Speaker Johnson’s proposed bill, which sought to tie government funding with essential voter verification, faced stiff opposition. Despite investigations revealing minimal evidence of noncitizen voting, the bill highlighted the importance Republicans place on election security.

“We’ll draw up another play and we’ll come up with a solution,” Johnson, R-La., said. “I’m already talking to colleagues about their many ideas. We have time to fix the situation and we’ll get right to it.”

In conclusion, obtaining a unified Republican stance on government funding and fiscal policy continues to be a challenge. The split within the party over the recent bill underscores the complexities and diverse opinions that will influence future proposals.