Congress races to prevent government shutdown before election

With a government funding deadline approaching on September 30, the House of Representatives is attempting to pass a funding patch that includes controversial election reform. This reform aims to require proof of citizenship for voter registration, a move supported by some Republicans despite the lack of evidence for widespread noncitizen voting. The combination of these issues has led to skepticism about the bill's success, as many lawmakers believe it is likely to fail. Speaker Johnson is pushing for the vote, hoping to rally enough Republican support, as he believes the proof of citizenship requirement could resonate with voters during the upcoming election campaign. This situation is further complicated by state laws in Arizona, where documented proof of citizenship is required for state elections, leaving many voters in a precarious position. The Arizona secretary of state has indicated that the majority of those affected are Republicans, highlighting the potential political ramifications of these laws. As the deadline looms, the lack of a backup plan from Republicans raises concerns about a possible government shutdown, which could have significant implications for federal operations and services.