(Cupventi.com) – Speaker Mike Johnson has postponed a government funding vote in the House after a growing number of Republican lawmakers vowed to oppose the measure. Johnson had previously linked a six-month funding bill to the SAVE Act, which would overhaul voting laws to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. However, the delay in the vote signals a struggle to unify Republicans ahead of a potential government shutdown at the end of the month.
“We’re in the consensus-building business here in Congress with small majorities,” Johnson explained, while adding that his leadership team would work through the weekend to sway GOP defectors. The government is set to shut down on October 1 unless a bipartisan agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and some Republicans are advocating for a “clean” funding bill to keep the government open through the November elections. Johnson faces a challenging situation, as House Republicans can only afford four defections to pass the measure. Currently, at least seven Republicans have openly stated their opposition, with sources suggesting the number could rise to 15 if the vote had proceeded.
Among the notable GOP defectors are Reps. Cory Mills, Jim Banks, Matt Rosendale, Andy Biggs, and Tim Burchett. Burchett has consistently opposed stopgap funding measures, calling them fiscally irresponsible: “We are going off a fiscal cliff, and every time we do this, we just kick that can further down the road.”
Mills, concerned about the impact on military funding, argued that a continuing resolution would freeze Pentagon funding at current levels, hindering the nation’s defense capabilities in a time of escalating global threats. “This CR would weaken our defense capabilities and the readiness of our military,” Mills said, adding that a six-month freeze would be detrimental in the fast-moving world of geopolitics.
Former President Donald Trump has also played a pivotal role in shaping the current debate. He demanded that government funding be tied to the SAVE Act, stating on his social media platform: “If Republicans in the House, and Senate, don’t get absolute assurances on Election Security… CLOSE IT DOWN!!!”
With just over a month left until the government shuts down, pressure is mounting for a resolution. Democrats, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, have urged Republicans to negotiate a bipartisan funding bill. “For the good of the American people, Congress must move on from House Republicans’ partisan continuing resolution proposals,” DeLauro said, emphasizing the need for collaboration between both parties to prevent a shutdown.