citizenship voter requirement to stopgap funding

Lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill with Republicans advocating for new voter registration requirements that necessitate proof of citizenship documentation. This push follows a bill that passed the House in July and is now on the Senate's legislative calendar. Proponents argue that the current penalties are insufficient to deter non-citizens from voting, and if the bill is enacted, potential voters would need identification compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005. Currently, only about 53% of Americans possess such identification, with even lower rates among Black Americans, where only 34% have a passport. Approximately 10% of eligible voters, equating to around 20 million individuals, lack the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship. The process of obtaining these documents can be challenging and costly, with naturalization certification fees reaching hundreds of dollars. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court blocked an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration but allowed it for new voters, indicating a complex legal landscape surrounding voter registration requirements. There are concerns that if the bill passes, it may face legal challenges regarding Congress's authority to determine voting qualifications. Non-citizens have been prohibited from voting in federal elections for over a century, yet the current legislative efforts are seen as an attempt to further restrict voting access. One strategy to advance the bill involves attaching it to a continuing resolution for federal government funding, which could complicate the legislative process. Critics argue that this approach is a tactic to suppress voter participation, emphasizing the need for accurate information and improved voter registration processes.