Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted in October 2023, and now his successor, House Speaker Mike Johnson, is facing challenges with government funding that echo McCarthy’s struggles. Johnson is expected to roll out a plan to avoid a government shutdown by extending current funding levels through March, supported by former President Donald Trump. Some House Republicans are hesitant to support a short-term bill, questioning the wisdom of engaging in a doomed effort that will likely die in the Democrat-controlled Senate. However, conservatives and Trump allies have backed the plan, emphasizing the need to focus on spending and the citizenship requirement for voter registration.
Rep. Chip Roy explained that Republicans want to delay spending decisions until the new year to prevent giving Democrats an advantage, and then engage in a robust fight over citizenship requirements for voters. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, has been stalled in the Senate. Roy acknowledged the failure of a similar conservative CR with a border security bill attached last year and recognized the challenges of passing such measures in a divided Congress. The possibility of a government shutdown just before the November House races could put vulnerable Republicans in a tough spot, especially with low chances of Senate or White House approval.
Despite concerns over a potential government shutdown, some Republicans like Rep. Tim Burchett are more focused on other issues such as election integrity. Rep. Matt Rosendale, a House Freedom Caucus member, has spoken out against the plan to attach the SAVE Act to the CR, calling it disingenuous and a violation of single-subject legislation standards. Both Rosendale and Burchett have expressed uncertainties regarding their support for the CR. While Rosendale has previously voted against CRs and supported McCarthy’s ouster, he does not confirm whether he would support Johnson’s removal over this issue. Burchett, another anti-McCarthy rebel, leans towards supporting the CR but does not believe Johnson is in danger of facing a similar fate as McCarthy.
The dynamics within the Republican Party reflect the ongoing struggle over government funding and contentious issues like the SAVE Act. Johnson’s plan to extend funding levels through March has garnered support from conservatives and Trump allies but faces resistance from some House Republicans who are skeptical of the strategy. The outcome remains uncertain as divisions persist within the GOP regarding the best approach to government funding and legislative priorities. With the November House races looming and the potential for a government shutdown in the midst of election season, the pressure is on for House Republicans to navigate this challenging political landscape and secure support for their proposed measures. Ultimately, how Johnson handles this critical issue could determine his future leadership and the party’s direction moving forward.
