House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing growing resistance from within his own party as he pushes a plan aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Johnson’s proposal, which combines a six-month continuing resolution (CR) with the Trump-backed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), has sparked significant backlash among House Republicans, leaving the plan on the verge of collapse.
The continuing resolution, intended to temporarily fund the government while negotiations continue, is coupled with the SAVE Act, a measure that tightens voter eligibility laws. This inclusion has proven controversial, with at least six House Republicans publicly stating they will vote against the plan. Johnson, who holds a narrow Republican majority in the House, can afford to lose only four GOP votes if all Democrats stand united in opposition, leaving the fate of his proposal in jeopardy.
The growing rift within the Republican Party highlights divisions over both the strategy to prevent a shutdown and the inclusion of contentious policy riders. Critics within Johnson’s party argue that tying the SAVE Act to the CR is unnecessarily complicating the legislative process. Some Republicans have expressed concerns that the focus on voter eligibility legislation could derail the more immediate priority of keeping the government funded.
Meanwhile, Democrats have signaled their firm opposition to the proposal, criticizing the inclusion of what they view as an attempt to suppress voter rights in exchange for averting a shutdown. The continuing resolution, they argue, should be a straightforward funding measure without politically charged additions.
As the deadline for government funding approaches, pressure is mounting on Johnson to either rally his party or revise his proposal. A government shutdown could result in widespread disruptions, including furloughs for federal workers, delayed services, and a halt in various government programs. If Johnson’s plan fails, lawmakers will need to scramble to find an alternative solution to keep the government operational.
Johnson’s leadership is being tested, as GOP divisions over key legislative strategies threaten to weaken his position within the party. With time running out, the question remains whether Johnson can bring enough Republicans on board or if a new plan will be needed to avoid a costly government shutdown.
