By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Republican-led spending plan was rejected by the U.S. House Wednesday evening, less than two weeks before the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline.
In a 220-202 vote, 14 Republicans joined all but three Democrats to oppose the measure.
There was a lot of division over this spending plan put forth by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R- LA), primarily because it included a bill that most Democrats call partisan and unserious.
“The SAVE Act has no business being a part of the C.R. This is not going to become law. This is Republican theatrics that are meant to appease the most extreme members of their conference,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D- CA).
Last week, Speaker Johnson punted on running the spending plan, which would have funded the government for six months at current levels, because he didn’t have enough support from members of his own party. A narrow House majority means it only takes a handful of Republican “No” votes to thwart the success of a bill.
Some conservatives opposed Johnson’s Continuing Resolution, (C.R.) because they want to cut spending instead of passing temporary stopgap spending bills that maintain current spending.
The SAVE Act- the controversial bill included in Johnson’s plan- would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The standalone bill passed the House this summer. The bill is backed by former President Donald Trump, who is encouraging Republicans not to pass a spending plan without the SAVE Act.
“If Republicans don’t get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form,” read part of the statement from Trump on Truth Social Wednesday afternoon.
Democrats have bashed the combination of the SAVE Act with the C.R., saying it would be dead on arrival if it ever made it to the Democratic-controlled Senate. The White House also stated President Biden would veto the plan.
“I’m just tired of really stupid performance art. I don’t understand why this is part of an ongoing dialog,” said Sen. John Fetterman (D- PA).
It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. However, Speaker Johnson says more has to be done to ensure free and fair elections.
“It is against federal law for non-U.S. citizens to vote in U.S. elections. But we have no mechanism right now to ensure that in the states because they’re not allowed to ask for proof of verification of citizenship when someone registers to vote,” said Johnson.
“I think the SAVE Act is something that just makes so much sense to clear thinking people. I thought the Speaker’s done a wonderful job on it,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA).
With Trump urging Republicans to stand firm on the SAVE Act, concerns of a shutdown are brewing on Capitol Hill.
“We don’t want an October surprise on ourselves and cause a shutdown. On the same note, the SAVE Act, people want a safe and secure election. So we think we should be able to have both,” said Rep. Dan Meuser (R- PA).
Meuser says the Senate bears responsibility for the budget dilemma and lack of appropriations bills.
“I wish we had our budget done. We got seven out of 12 appropriations bills done as per our new rules, and the Senate got nothing done,” said Meuser.
“September 30th is right upon us. We don’t have two sets of bills, as is supposed to be the system, for the House and Senate to go and negotiate together because the Senate brings nothing to the table,” said Johnson.
It’s unclear what Johnson’s back up plan will be to keep the government open. Congress has until Sept. 30 to strike a deal.
