House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing increasing pressure from both sides of the political spectrum in his attempt to prevent a government shutdown.
Johnson’s plan, a six-month stopgap funding measure combined with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, is scheduled to come to a vote on Wednesday. The bill has faced sharp criticism within Johnson’s own party, making its passage uncertain.
Johnson defended the bill during an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday morning, saying: “Congress has an obligation to do two very important things immediately. We must continue to fund the government and we must ensure that our elections are secure.”
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The Louisiana Republican said Americans are deeply concerned about the security of their elections and cited non-citizen voter registration as a key issue.
Attached to the Continuation Resolution (CR), which would extend state funding through the end of March 2025, is the SAVE Act, a proposal that would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
Johnson argued that this was crucial to ensure the integrity of the upcoming election, stating that “millions and millions of illegals have come across the border” and may try to vote illegally.
But critics, including many Democrats, point out that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, raising doubts about the need for the law. In all 50 states and the District of Columbia, voting for federal office is reserved exclusively for citizens.
The U.S. Constitution prohibits states from denying their citizens the right to vote on the basis of race, color, previous service, sex, nonpayment of taxes, or age (for citizens who are at least 18 years old).
Johnson’s leadership is being tested not only by Democrats but also by far-right members of his party, some of whom oppose any bridge funding that is not accompanied by more drastic budget cuts.
Personalities such as Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia accused Johnson of staging a “sham fight.”
Greene attacked Johnson on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “This is a classic bait and switch that will infuriate the voting base… Speaker Johnson needs to turn to the Democrats he has been working with all along to get the votes he needs.”
Several Republican lawmakers remain skeptical that the bill will pass. Axios reported that Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas admitted, “I don’t know how he thinks it will pass,” while an anonymous GOP lawmaker called the plan “puzzling.”
Nevertheless, Johnson remains determined and has no alternative strategy in case the vote fails.
“I’m not having alternative conversations. This is the game. It’s an important game. And I’m going to work around the clock to get it done,” Johnson told reporters on Tuesday.
In the Senate, the proposal has already been dismissed as hopeless by Democrats who oppose the SAVE Act.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, urged Johnson to abandon the plan, warning that time was running out to prevent a shutdown.
“The speaker’s (continuation resolution) is too impractical,” Schumer said in the Senate, calling for a bipartisan solution.
Even if Johnson succeeds in getting the bill through the House, his likely failure in the Senate will mean he may have to opt for a simpler CR without the controversial provision. A strategy that could expose him to criticism from right-wing GOP factions, especially with election season approaching.
Johnson’s leadership will also be tested when Republicans must choose a speaker after the November election. If his handling of the shutdown leads to internal disagreements, it could complicate his re-election as speaker if Republicans retain control of the House.
Newsweek Johnson asked for comment by phone.
