House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing increasing pressure from both sides of the political spectrum as he attempts to avoid a government shutdown.
Johnson’s plan, a six-month stopgap funding measure combined with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, is scheduled for a vote Wednesday. The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from within Johnson’s own party, making its passage uncertain.
Johnson defended the bill during a Fox News appearance on Wednesday morning saying, “Congress has an immediate obligation to do two very important things. We have to keep the government funded, and we need to make sure that our elections are secure.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson in Washington, D.C., on September 18. Johnson is facing increasing pressure from both sides of the political spectrum as he attempts to avoid a government shutdown.
Francis Chung/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Louisiana Republican that Americans are deeply concerned about election security, citing voter registration by non-citizens as a key issue.
The continuing resolution (CR), which would extend government funding until the end of March 2025, attaches the SAVE Act, a proposal that would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
Johnson argued that this is crucial to ensure the integrity of upcoming elections, claiming “millions and millions of illegals…have come across the border” and may attempt to vote illegally.
However, critics, including many Democrats, point out that it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, casting doubt on the necessity of the bill. Voting for federal office in all 50 states and the District of Columbia is restricted to citizens only.
The U.S. Constitution bars states from restricting citizens from voting on grounds of race, color, previous condition of servitude, sex, failure to pay any tax, or age (for citizens who are at least 18 years old).
Johnson’s leadership is being tested not only by Democrats but also by the hard-right members of his party, some of whom oppose any stopgap funding that lacks deeper budget cuts.
Figures like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, have accused Johnson of orchestrating a “fake fight.”
Greene took to X, formerly Twitter, to lambaste Johnson, saying: “This is classic bait and switch that will enrage the base… Speaker Johnson needs to go to the Democrats, who he has worked with the entire time, to get the votes he needs.”
Several Republican lawmakers remain skeptical that the bill will pass. Axios reported that Representative Troy Nehls of Texas admitted, “I don’t know how he thinks it’s going to pass,” while an anonymous GOP representative called the plan “puzzling.”
Still, Johnson appears resolute, with no fallback strategy if the vote fails.
“I’m not having any alternative conversations. That’s the play. It’s an important one. And I’m going to work around the clock to try and get it done,” Johnson told reporters on Tuesday.
In the Senate, the proposal has already been deemed a “nonstarter” by Democrats, who oppose the SAVE Act.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, urged Johnson to abandon the plan, warning that time is running out to prevent a shutdown.
“The speaker’s [continuing resolution] is too unworkable,” Schumer said on the Senate floor, calling for a bipartisan solution.
Even if Johnson manages to get the bill through the House, its likely failure in the Senate sets up a scenario in which he may have to pursue a more straightforward CR without the controversial provision. This strategy could leave him vulnerable to criticism from the GOP’s right-wing factions, especially as election season looms.
Johnson will also face a significant test of his leadership when Republicans must select a speaker after the November elections. Should his handling of the shutdown lead to internal divisions, it could complicate his reelection as speaker if the GOP retains control of the House.
Newsweek has contacted Johnson via telephone for comment.
