The federal government is facing the possibility of a shutdown in the coming weeks if Congress fails to reach an agreement on a new spending bill. This situation is not new, as similar scenarios have occurred repeatedly in recent years. However, this time the shutdown could coincide with the critical phase of the presidential campaign.
Negotiations have gotten off to a rocky start, with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s spending proposal already encountering significant pushback from both parties. His plan aims to maintain federal funding until March while introducing a controversial provision requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, known as the SAVE Act. This aspect of the bill has drawn opposition from hard-line Republicans who reject continued funding at what they consider excessive levels. Moreover, even if Johnson’s proposal were to pass in the House, it would likely face rejection in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Adding to the tension is former President Donald Trump, who is reportedly pressuring Republican lawmakers to push for a shutdown if the SAVE Act is not included in their spending package. Trump stated he would not hesitate to endorse a government shutdown if his demands are unmet.
Commentators are warning that these standoffs could lead to significant disruptions. Vox’s Ian Millhiser pointed out that Republicans are threatening a shutdown to impose stricter voting regulations, despite the absence of evidence that undocumented immigrants impact electoral outcomes meaningfully. Implementing the SAVE Act could introduce considerable administrative challenges for election offices ahead of the 2024 elections, potentially resulting in chaos during voting.
Historically, this predicament echoes former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s downfall just 11 months ago when he was ousted after attempting to negotiate a “clean” funding extension without far-right demands. Johnson finds himself entangled in a similar precarious situation where some House Republicans appear unconcerned about the repercussions of a shutdown.
Looking ahead, reports suggest Johnson has a slightly more favorable relationship with his fellow members compared to McCarthy. With elections approaching, many House Republicans are keen to avoid being stuck in Washington beyond the immediate future, which could influence their decision-making in the days to come.