House Speaker Mike Johnson is pressing ahead with a controversial voting measure that could lead to a government shutdown ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Despite the fact that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, Johnson is determined to pass legislation that would require proof of citizenship as a prerequisite to voting.
Fox News’s Chad Pergram reported on Monday that Johnson is committed to this effort, even though instances of noncitizens voting are extremely rare. When asked what his plan would be if he couldn’t secure the measure, Johnson firmly replied, “There is no fallback position. This is a righteous fight.”
However, the proposal is unlikely to make it through the Democratic-led Senate, meaning it would almost certainly be blocked even if it passes the House. Johnson’s push to tie this measure to essential government funding bills raises the possibility of a government shutdown next month if the Republican-controlled House insists on this provision.
Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News has predicted that Johnson’s stance could cause anxiety among moderate Republicans who are in tough re-election races. Many moderates fear they will be blamed by voters for a shutdown if Johnson continues to press the issue.
Adding to the tension, former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the idea of a government shutdown if the Senate refuses to pass the citizenship verification legislation, further complicating the situation for Republicans facing a difficult balancing act between Trump’s base and more moderate voters.