Report Makes Claim About Johnson’s Plans With Bill Says Report
This Labor Day weekend brought a scoop that could stir things up in Congress when lawmakers return to session next week. Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly considering a bold move that would combine a short-term government funding extension with election integrity legislation, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Democrats.
According to a report from Punchbowl News, Johnson and other Republicans are discussing the possibility of adding the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to a continuing resolution that would extend government funding through March 2025.
The SAVE Act, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, is a piece of legislation aimed at tightening election security by requiring individuals to show proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. It also pushes states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls. The House passed the bill back in July, with support from a few Democrats, but it has since stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Recall - the “SAVE” Act (I introduced it - HR8281) passed with 5 Democrats voting for it (and others privately wanting to). If they vote “no” with it attached to a funding bill that funds government to March - it’s pure politics. https://t.co/TQrZDZZBW4
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) September 2, 2024
Johnson’s plan would put Democrats in a tough spot. They might support another continuing resolution to keep the government running, but many of them are likely to balk at the inclusion of the SAVE Act. Critics of the legislation argue that it could place unnecessary burdens on legitimate voters and that there’s no substantial evidence of widespread voter fraud that would justify such measures.
On the other hand, Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, are rallying behind the SAVE Act. The House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers, has been particularly vocal, calling for the legislation to be attached to any short-term spending bill. Their argument is simple: securing elections is a top priority, and they believe the SAVE Act is essential to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Excellent. Securing our elections from foreign interference with the SAVE Act is a top priority—and Democrats should have to explain to the American people why they are against it. https://t.co/YJMrEDVHWN
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 2, 2024
Senator Mike Lee echoed this sentiment on social media, suggesting that Democrats should have to explain to the American people why they oppose measures designed to secure elections from foreign interference.
With Congress facing a looming deadline at the end of September to pass funding legislation and avoid a government shutdown, this potential standoff over the SAVE Act adds another layer of complexity. If Johnson follows through with his plan, it could lead to intense negotiations, and perhaps even a showdown, as both sides grapple with the competing priorities of keeping the government open and addressing election security.