Johnson unveils plan to prevent government shutdown amid GOP tensions

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has introduced a new plan to prevent a partial government shutdown, following a rebellion within the House GOP that derailed his previous, more conservative proposal. This new plan aligns more closely with the demands of Senate Democrats and the White House, aiming to keep the government funded through December 20. It includes an additional $187 million for the U.S. Secret Service, responding to bipartisan calls for enhanced security after threats against former President Trump. A significant aspect of Johnson's revised plan is the removal of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which required proof of citizenship for voter registration. This legislation, previously supported by Trump and passed by the House, faced opposition from 14 Republicans who were against a continuing resolution (CR) on principle. Trump's insistence on the SAVE Act has complicated negotiations, as he urged Republicans to reject any CR without it. Johnson emphasized the necessity of a narrow, essential CR, acknowledging that a government shutdown so close to an election would be politically detrimental. The ongoing funding disputes have created divisions within the GOP, with some members fearing that a CR would lead to a large omnibus spending bill, which many Republicans oppose. Despite the tensions, House GOP leadership suggests that Congress may pass another CR into the new year, rather than establishing new fiscal year 2025 funding levels. Johnson's approach reflects the urgency of the situation, as the government funding debate continues to be a contentious issue in the current Congress.