House Republicans have introduced legislation that aims to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month by funding the government until March 28. The bill includes a controversial provision that would require states to obtain proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, from individuals registering to vote. This provision has already faced opposition in the Senate, complicating the bill’s chances of passage. Some Republicans, including Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, have also indicated their opposition to the measure, while House Democrats prefer a shorter-term funding bill.
The Rules Committee is scheduled to take up the temporary funding bill on Monday, potentially setting up a floor vote next week as lawmakers return to Washington after their August recess. The need for a stopgap spending measure arises because work on the annual appropriations bills that fund government agencies for the next fiscal year is not yet completed. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping the government funded and securing the federal election process, stating that only American citizens should be able to decide American elections. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray criticized the bill for being drawn up by one party and urged bipartisan cooperation to avoid a government shutdown.
The decision to include the proof of citizenship requirement in the spending measure was influenced by the House Freedom Caucus, which advocated for the provision in a statement last month. The caucus also pushed for the bill to fund the government into early next year to allow Republicans to prioritize their legislative goals. Some GOP leaders had hoped to pass the final spending bills before the end of the current Congress so that the new president, whether Republican nominee Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, could focus on other priorities. The bill would maintain agency funding at current levels until March 28, with additional funds allocated for security costs related to Inauguration Day and $10 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund.
Overall, the introduction of the legislation by House Republicans represents an effort to prevent a government shutdown and fund agencies until the new president and Congress can determine spending priorities for the 2025 fiscal year. The inclusion of the citizenship requirement in the bill has sparked controversy and opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, highlighting the challenges of passing a short-term spending measure. The fate of the bill remains uncertain as lawmakers return to Washington and navigate the complex dynamics surrounding government funding and legislative priorities. Johnson’s insistence on including the proof of citizenship provision reflects the broader debate within Congress over election integrity and government funding, setting the stage for potential negotiations and compromises in the weeks ahead.
