Quick Hit:

Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to embrace a conservative-backed proof-of-citizenship voting measure in an effort to prevent a government shutdown, setting up a confrontation with Senate Democrats and the White House.

Key Details:

• Hard-line conservatives, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), anticipate Johnson will push for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in a stopgap funding bill.
• The bill would require proof of citizenship to vote, a controversial issue likely to face opposition from Senate Democrats and President Biden.
• The proposed stopgap bill would extend government funding into 2025 to avoid a year-end omnibus under the current administration.

Diving Deeper:

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is expected to support a conservative initiative linking proof-of-citizenship voting requirements to legislation aimed at preventing a government shutdown. With a September 30 deadline looming, Johnson is facing pressure from hard-line Republicans, notably the House Freedom Caucus, to include the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in a continuing resolution (CR) that would extend government funding into 2025.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a leading figure within the Freedom Caucus, voiced confidence that Johnson will introduce the measure to the House floor. "Mike Johnson appears ready and willing to do it," Roy said on the “War Room” podcast. Roy, the author of the SAVE Act, has been a vocal advocate for the measure, which mandates proof of citizenship to register to vote.

The bill has gained traction among Republicans as a crucial step to protect election integrity ahead of the 2024 election. Backed by former President Donald Trump, the SAVE Act passed the House as a stand-alone bill in July, but it faces stiff opposition from Democrats. The Biden administration, which has already issued a statement opposing the legislation, argues that current laws are sufficient to prevent noncitizen voting and that the SAVE Act could unintentionally purge eligible voters from the rolls.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), another Freedom Caucus member, expressed optimism about the bill’s inclusion in the funding package, saying, “We’ll vote on that this coming week and get it to the Senate.” However, Senate Democrats and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have indicated opposition to such a plan, casting doubt on its chances of survival.