Congress Is Back, Feel the Excitement

Congress is currently in session, with a critical deadline approaching at the end of September to pass government funding. The Republican House is pushing for a continuing resolution (CR) that includes the controversial SAVE Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration and voter ID requirements. This proposal has already passed the House but faces significant opposition in the Senate, particularly from Democrats who refuse to support any funding bill that includes it. The SAVE Act is seen as a tactic by House Republican leadership to frame Democrats as enabling noncitizen voting, potentially leading to a government shutdown if their demands are not met. House Speaker Mike Johnson is advocating for a six-month CR that would fund the government until March, but there are concerns within the Republican ranks about whether they have enough votes to pass this measure. Some Republicans are skeptical about the viability of this strategy, suggesting that it may backfire. The Democrats are poised to leverage this situation to highlight their stance on voting rights, which could resonate with voters, especially given the implications of voter ID laws on marginalized communities. Additionally, while House Republicans are focusing on a 'China week' with various bills aimed at limiting foreign influence, they are neglecting bipartisan measures that could address domestic economic issues, such as closing the de minimis loophole affecting textile factories. This oversight reflects a broader trend of partisanship that may hinder effective governance.