House votes on temporary spending bill to avert shutdown on Oct. 1

House Speaker Mike Johnson is advancing a temporary spending bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown as the new budget year approaches on October 1. This legislation includes a controversial requirement for proof of citizenship for voter registration, a priority for Republicans amid concerns about noncitizen voting, despite evidence showing such occurrences are rare. Johnson emphasized the importance of this issue, urging his colleagues to support the bill. The proposed bill faces significant challenges in the House, with strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill, asserting that a bipartisan agreement is essential to avoid a government shutdown. He warned that the House's approach is likely to fail, emphasizing the need for collaboration between both parties. The legislation aims to maintain current funding levels for government agencies while lawmakers negotiate a comprehensive spending agreement. Johnson and conservative members of his party are advocating for a six-month extension, hoping for a Republican victory in the upcoming election to gain leverage in future negotiations. Schumer countered that such short-term measures would undermine critical funding for the military and other essential services. Johnson remains committed to his proposal, stating that ensuring only U.S. citizens can vote is a pressing concern. He has been actively seeking support, including discussions with former President Trump, who has suggested that a government shutdown may be necessary if election security assurances are not met. The outcome of this legislative effort remains uncertain as the deadline approaches.