The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a Republican proposal aimed at funding the federal government beyond October 1, thereby preventing a government shutdown.
This proposal involves maintaining current funding levels for six months through a continuing resolution and introducing a requirement for voters to show proof of citizenship to participate in federal elections.
However, with a split among House Republicans and a reluctance to engage with Democrats, the plan championed by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, seems to fall short of the necessary votes to pass.
Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, has expressed her support for an alternate measure that would extend federal funding until December, allowing Congress sufficient time to finalize 12 appropriations bills that budget various sectors of the federal government.
“A six-month CR would effectively cut defense and military spending,” Peltola stated, referring to Johnson’s proposal. “We need to keep the government open and running, but we can’t keep postponing important decisions. A short-term CR is essential for Congress to debate and finalize spending bills this year.”
The division within the House regarding the budget underscores the electorate’s choices in the upcoming U.S. House elections this fall. Recent polls suggest that Alaska is one of the key “tossup” states that could sway control of the House.
Nick Begich, the chief Republican challenger to Peltola in the House race, has not publicly stated his position on the potential government shutdown. A spokesperson for his campaign criticized Peltola for not attending votes in Congress when asked about his stance.
“It’s time for Congress to fulfill its responsibilities as entrusted by the American people,” commented Bernadette Wilson, a senior adviser to Begich, urging attendance and effective governance.
The ballot for Alaska’s U.S. House race also includes Alaskan Independence Party candidate John Wayne Howe and imprisoned out-of-state Democrat Eric Hafner.
Among congressional Republicans, there are notable rifts. Some hardline members express a preference for shutting down the federal government rather than agreeing to another continuing resolution, arguing that such measures exacerbate federal debt growth.
The Freedom Caucus, which initially backed Begich in his election bid, comprises some of these hardliners. Meanwhile, the mainstream Republican faction in the House, represented by Johnson, advocates for a longer-term extension of existing spending alongside a voter ID requirement supported by Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.
Following the exit of their initial candidate, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, from the race after the primaries, Johnson and other prominent Republicans have rallied behind Begich. It remains uncertain which faction Begich would align with if elected.
Should House Republicans fail to advance a proposal on Wednesday, it would pave the way for leadership to reach out to House Democrats for a bipartisan compromise to be sent to the Senate.
President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats oppose the proposed voter ID requirement, deeming it unnecessary, and Biden has promised to veto it if it arrives at his desk.