Speaker Delays Vote on Spending and Non-Citizen Voting Bill to Build GOP Consensus

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) has postponed a key vote on a spending measure that includes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, designed to prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections. Facing opposition from congressional Democrats, the White House, and even some Republicans, Johnson has decided to focus on "consensus building" within the GOP, with the goal of finalizing a plan over the weekend.

The proposed measure, which would fund the federal government through March 28, 2025, while also requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, is a critical effort to avoid a government shutdown at the end of September. Johnson acknowledged the delicate balance needed to pass the bill, stating, “No vote today, because we’re in the consensus building business here in Congress with small majorities. We’re having thoughtful conversations family conversations within the Republican conference.”

The SAVE Act, passed by the House in July, seeks to close what Johnson calls a loophole in the National Voter Registration Act, which allows some states to register individuals to vote without requiring proof of citizenship. Johnson’s letter highlighted cases of non-citizens appearing on voter rolls in states like Massachusetts, Ohio, and Virginia. However, the bill has stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate, with critics arguing that it would unfairly burden legitimate voters.

Key concerns surrounding the GOP proposal include:

• Some Republicans oppose the short-term spending bill, preferring a longer-term solution that addresses defense funding and other priorities.

• Defense hawks within the GOP are worried the proposal could harm Pentagon operations.

• Democrats, the White House, and even some Republicans favor a shorter, three-month spending measure, pushing government funding talks to December.

President Biden has already threatened to veto the current GOP proposal, while former President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to allow a government shutdown if they can't pass a spending measure that includes “election security” reforms, a long-standing demand of his.

Despite the opposition, Johnson emphasized the importance of election integrity. "The American people demand and deserve that we do everything possible to secure the elections," Johnson said. He added that his team will work through the weekend to build consensus and ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in federal elections.

As the House continues to debate the spending plan and the SAVE Act, Johnson and Republican leaders are navigating a difficult landscape, trying to unify their party while addressing the concerns of Americans across the country.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the SAVE Act and the upcoming vote.