House Rejects Johnson’s Funding Bill Amid Shutdown Threat

On Wednesday, the House voted against a $1.6 trillion stopgap spending bill aimed at extending government funding into March and implementing new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration. The proposal faced opposition from both parties, resulting in a vote tally of 220 to 202, with 14 Republicans joining nearly all Democrats in rejecting the plan. Speaker Mike Johnson had previously delayed the vote due to a lack of support but proceeded under pressure from former President Trump and hardline conservatives. Johnson emphasized the importance of securing federal funding and ensuring election integrity, arguing that even a small number of noncitizen votes could significantly impact election outcomes. Despite his efforts, the bill failed to garner the necessary backing, highlighting the divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges of bipartisan cooperation. Trump's influence loomed large over the proceedings, as he urged Republicans to demand full citizenship verification measures before agreeing to any funding legislation. His claims of widespread illegal voter registration were unfounded, as multiple audits and studies have shown no substantial evidence of noncitizens voting in significant numbers. The defeat of the funding bill raises concerns about a potential government shutdown as the September 30 deadline approaches. The inability to reach a consensus on critical issues like government funding and election security reflects ongoing tensions within Congress and the complexities of navigating partisan priorities.