House Republicans Propose Stopgap Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown and Regulate Non-Citizen Voting
House Republicans have proposed a temporary spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown at the end of September. However, the bill's inclusion of a clause targeting noncitizen voting has sparked fierce criticism from Democrats.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The bill, known as the “Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025,” was unveiled on September 6. It seeks to extend federal funding until late March of the following year and mandates that states verify U.S. citizenship during the voter registration process. This requirement has sparked a heated debate in Capitol Hill.
The purpose of the bill is to ensure that government agencies continue to operate beyond the September 30 funding deadline. However, the addition of the voter verification provision has heightened partisan tensions, casting doubt on the bill's likelihood of passing in its current form.
Reactions to the Bill
In response to the bill, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated, “Today, House Republicans are taking a critically important step to keep the federal government funded and to secure our federal election process. Congress has a responsibility to do both, and we must ensure that only American citizens can decide American elections.”
Democrats were quick to criticize the proposal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) issued a joint statement, arguing that “avoiding a government shutdown requires bipartisanship, not a bill drawn up by one party.” They accused Johnson of “wasting precious time” and “making the same mistake as former Speaker McCarthy did a year ago.”
Key Elements of the Stopgap Measure
The proposed temporary funding measure aims to prevent a partial shutdown by maintaining federal funding at current levels until March 28, 2025. The bill would extend funding for essential government services and agencies, including defense, education, health care, and more.
The bill also introduces significant changes to voter registration through a section titled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. It mandates individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID, when registering to vote in federal elections. The bill also requires states to actively remove noncitizens from voter rolls.
Additionally, the bill includes an extra $10 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen the nation’s disaster relief fund. It also earmarks $47 million for additional security during Inauguration Day in January 2025.
Bottom Line
The proposed stopgap bill by House Republicans aims to prevent a government shutdown and regulate non-citizen voting. However, its partisan nature and the inclusion of controversial provisions have sparked debate and criticism, especially from Democrats. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures and the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing critical issues such as government funding and election integrity. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.
