House Republican leadership has introduced a plan aimed at preventing a government shutdown by proposing a temporary funding extension.
The New York Post reported that the revised proposal omits the contentious SAVE Act, aiming to maintain government operations until December 20 and sidestep a shutdown before the November 5 election.
The proposal, introduced this Sunday, suggests extending current government funding levels to December 20, avoiding the inclusion of the previously contested Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
This act stipulated that voters must show proof of citizenship, a measure that Trump wanted in order to secure the election against potential voter fraud. However, Speaker Johnson has once again shown he's a coward and won't force the SAVE Act through.
With the SAVE Act gone, any chance of preventing Democrats from stealing the election is also gone. This new budget will likely pass and Democrats will have scored another massive win.
Following the rejection of the first plan by Democrats, who deemed the SAVE Act unacceptable, Speaker Mike Johnson revised the proposal to exclude this provision. In his communication to House colleagues, Johnson emphasized the importance of preventing a shutdown so close to the election, considering the political stakes involved.
The House is set to vote on this new plan as early as Wednesday, signaling a rapid progression through legislative channels to avoid the impending deadline.
Speaker Johnson originally advocated for a six-month continuation of funding through March 28 but shifted strategies after the SAVE Act's inclusion led to bipartisan opposition.
His new approach not only removes the controversial act but also allocates over $231 million to the Secret Service, ensuring their operations continue unabated.
This move reflects Johnson's awareness of the political implications of a shutdown. His statement highlights a collective understanding within Congress that shutting down the government could be detrimental just weeks before voters head to the polls.
Former President Donald Trump had previously urged Republicans to endorse the SAVE Act, advocating for it even at the risk of a shutdown. This stance had intensified divisions within the Republican Party, contributing to the original plan's defeat with 14 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
Johnson's leadership was further tested earlier in May when he survived a motion to oust him, instigated by hardline factions within his own party who were discontent with his handling of the budget debate.
As the new fiscal year starting October 1 approaches, Congress faces a critical deadline of September 30 at midnight to avert a government shutdown.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated that Democrats will assess the new continuing resolution with a bipartisan lens before it proceeds to the floor.
Jeffries's remarks suggest a cooperative effort in Congress to prevent a shutdown, reflecting a unified front in the face of fiscal challenges.
The potential government shutdown and the debate over funding not only test the resilience of Johnson's leadership but also spotlight the internal strife that has plagued the Republican Party in recent times.
This series of events will likely influence the political landscape as the presidential election looms, making the outcome of Wednesday's vote particularly significant in shaping future legislative dynamics.
Speaker Johnson and other leaders are now focused on navigating these turbulent waters, striving to maintain governmental stability while addressing the demands of their constituents and party members alike.
