The Gloves Are Off: A High-Stakes Battle Over Government Funding and Voter Eligibility

The United States Congress is on the verge of a showdown over government funding and voter eligibility, with Speaker Mike Johnson announcing plans to bring a stopgap proposal to the floor for a vote on Wednesday. The move comes after Johnson was forced to pull the proposal last week due to widespread opposition from his own party members. Johnson's plan pairs a six-month continuing resolution with the Trump-backed SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. However, hardline conservatives were opposed to the use of a stopgap, defense hawks were concerned about the impact on the Pentagon, and moderates were worried about the threat of a shutdown so close to the election. Despite facing mounting resistance, Johnson remains committed to his plan. "Congress has an immediate obligation to responsibly fund the federal government and ensure the security of our elections," he said in a statement. "We will move forward on Wednesday with a vote on the 6-month CR with the SAVE Act attached."

Johnson has been working to flip his critics, but some members remain opposed to his plan. Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) has already stated his opposition, and Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) are also expected to vote against the bill. The stakes are high, with Johnson only able to afford to lose a handful of votes. If the bill fails, it could serve as proof that the House GOP needs to adopt a different strategy to address the September 30 shutdown deadline. Senate Democrats and the White House are also opposed to the continuing resolution, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for a clean stopgap that ends this year. The situation is further complicated by former President Trump's call to "CLOSE IT DOWN" and not approve a continuing resolution unless he gets "absolute assurances on Election Security."

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