House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced plans for a vote on a six-month stopgap funding bill tied to a requirement for proof of citizenship to register to vote, despite facing opposition from some GOP members. The bill is aimed at preventing a government shutdown on October 1, but is unlikely to pass in the Democratic-led Senate or be signed by President Joe Biden. Johnson has been working to rally support for the bill among Republican members, but with a tight majority, the outcome remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Johnson’s strategy, calling for bipartisan negotiations to reach a funding agreement that avoids a shutdown. President Trump has urged Republicans to push for the bill, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has warned against a shutdown close to the election.
The proposed bill has sparked debate within Congress about the best approach to funding and election security, with some advocating for a shorter-term funding bill that extends past the election. Johnson remains committed to his strategy, despite the challenges, and plans to continue working to secure enough support for the bill. The fate of the bill and the possibility of a government shutdown will depend on the outcome of the vote in the House and ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans.
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