US House to vote on Mike Johnson’s controversial government funding bill

 The House is set to vote on a government funding package this Wednesday, but it's facing significant challenges in the divided Congress. Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal combines a six-month stopgap funding bill with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) Act, a contentious plan requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. 

Former President Donald Trump has added pressure, urging Republicans not to pass any funding without addressing election security, accusing Democrats of trying to allow noncitizens to vote.

Johnson’s proposal would extend government funding until March 28, 2025, but if Congress fails to act, a government shutdown could occur as early as October 1. Johnson insists that the bill responsibly funds the government and ensures election security, but both Democrats and some Republicans oppose the package.

Democrats largely object to the Save Act, noting it's already illegal for noncitizens to vote. They argue the proposal risks disenfranchising legitimate voters. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the bill as "unserious and unacceptable," calling for a clean stopgap measure without partisan policies to avoid a GOP-driven government shutdown.

Even within Johnson’s party, there is opposition. Some Republicans, like Congressman Thomas Massie, believe the bill doesn’t do enough to cut spending. Others, like Congressman Mike Rogers, are concerned about its impact on military readiness.

Given these divisions, Johnson can only afford a few Republican defections if he hopes to pass the bill, but its chances in the Democratic-controlled Senate are slim. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that Democrats will only support a clean funding bill without controversial provisions.

Trump’s ultimatum further complicates the situation, increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown just weeks before the November election.