House votes on spending bill linking citizenship proof to voter registration

The House is set to vote on a proposal by Speaker Mike Johnson that ties federal government funding to a requirement for proof of citizenship when registering to vote. This measure faces strong opposition from Democrats, who argue it could disenfranchise eligible voters. Johnson insists that the bill reflects the desires of the majority of Americans to prevent non-citizens from participating in elections. However, he has not presented any alternative plans should the proposal fail, leaving lawmakers concerned about a potential government shutdown as the new fiscal year approaches on October 1. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Johnson's approach, suggesting that it is unlikely to succeed and emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to avoid a government shutdown. The current Congress is struggling to finalize the necessary appropriations bills, which has led to discussions about a stopgap measure to maintain funding temporarily. Some lawmakers advocate for a short extension, while others, including Johnson, are pushing for a six-month extension to gain leverage in future negotiations, particularly with the upcoming presidential election in mind. The proposed legislation aims to maintain agency funding at current levels while lawmakers negotiate a comprehensive spending agreement. The urgency of the situation is heightened by the looming deadline, as failure to reach an agreement could result in a partial government shutdown. Both Johnson and Schumer will need to collaborate to find a solution that can garner support from both chambers of Congress. Ultimately, the outcome of the House vote and subsequent negotiations will significantly impact the federal budget and the political landscape as the election approaches, highlighting the contentious nature of voter registration laws and government funding.