Hakeem Jeffries rejects GOP funding bill linking citizenship proof to voting

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly rejected a proposal from Speaker Mike Johnson that ties government funding to a requirement for proof of citizenship when registering to vote. This rejection comes as lawmakers prepare for a spending battle to avoid a partial government shutdown, with the new fiscal year starting on October 1. Jeffries emphasized that the appropriations process should conclude by the end of the calendar year and that any short-term measures should not include partisan policy changes. The House Freedom Caucus, representing the most conservative members of the chamber, has pushed for the proof of citizenship mandate to be included in the spending bill. Proponents argue that this requirement would enhance the integrity of U.S. elections by ensuring only citizens can vote. However, critics point out that noncitizen voting is already illegal and that the proposed documentation requirements could disenfranchise many eligible voters. The debate over this issue has intensified, particularly among Republicans, who have raised concerns about noncitizen voting amid increased migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his claims that Democrats are allowing noncitizens to register, despite evidence indicating that such voting is exceedingly rare. Additionally, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that long-term funding resolutions could negatively impact military readiness, highlighting the urgency for lawmakers to reach an agreement. He noted that delays in funding could harm service members and their families, emphasizing the need for timely appropriations to address critical military priorities.