Mike Johnson’s Opening Salvo in Upcoming Spending Fight

As Congress approaches a critical spending decision, House Speaker Mike Johnson aims to maintain federal funding at previously agreed levels while introducing significant changes. His strategy involves delaying further spending disputes until the next Congress, hoping for a Republican majority in both the White House and Congress. This approach has drawn criticism from Democrats, particularly Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who argues that Republicans are pursuing a partisan agenda that hampers bipartisan negotiations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasizes the necessity of bipartisan cooperation to avoid a government shutdown, asserting that past resolutions have succeeded through collaboration. However, Johnson's introduction of the SAVE Act could shift the dynamics of the spending debate, as it seeks to ensure that only citizens can vote in federal elections, a move that some view as a response to concerns about illegal voting. Critics, including Democrats, point out that noncitizen voting is already illegal, but proponents argue that existing laws do not adequately prevent illegal voting due to judicial interpretations limiting states' abilities to verify citizenship. This ongoing debate highlights the tension between parties regarding immigration and election integrity. As the deadline for funding approaches, the outcome of this legislative battle will significantly impact the government's financial stability and the political landscape heading into the next election cycle. The decisions made now will set the stage for future negotiations and the potential for a more contentious political environment.