Quick Hit:  

Democrats are pushing back against a Republican-led funding bill that includes a controversial requirement for proof of U.S. citizenship to vote. The bipartisan standoff could jeopardize government funding and lead to a potential shutdown.

Key Details:

• Speaker Mike Johnson plans to introduce a continuing resolution (CR) next week linked to the SAVE Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration.  
• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has labeled the bill a "nonstarter" and urges bipartisan cooperation.  
• Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro emphasized that government funding requires collaboration from both parties, criticizing Republicans for taking a "partisan path."  

Diving Deeper: 

Democrats are rallying against a Republican initiative to attach the SAVE Act to a continuing resolution aimed at funding the federal government through March. This act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, is drawing ire from Democratic leaders who argue that such partisan measures threaten to derail essential government funding.

Speaker Mike Johnson, preparing to introduce the resolution next week, aims to use the SAVE Act as leverage. Rep. Chip Roy, the bill's architect, claims that if Democrats oppose the measure, they will be engaging in "pure politics." Roy previously secured bipartisan support, including votes from five Democrats, to pass the SAVE Act in July, but he anticipates significant pushback now that it is tied to the CR.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has voiced his discontent, stating, "As we have said each time we’ve had a CR, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way." He stresses that Democrats are ready to work on responsible spending bills without the burden of partisan "poison pills."

Democratic Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray echoes these sentiments, warning that demanding such controversial measures will hinder productive discussions. She reiterated the need for bipartisan efforts to ensure the government remains funded and functional.

Democratic representatives are framing the GOP's tactics as detrimental to the funding process. Rep. DeLauro noted the necessity for cooperation, stating, "We cannot fund the government — with full-year funding bills or a continuing resolution — without the support of both Democrats and Republicans." She criticized the current Republican leadership for failing to engage in constructive dialogue and warned that their approach could lead to a repeat of last year’s funding debacle.