Trump Demands Shutdown Over ID Requirement for Voter Registration

WASHINGTON — Congress is facing a potential government shutdown at the end of the month, with a bipartisan spending bill still not in sight. House Republicans have decided to pursue a standalone path, scheduling a vote on a six-month continuing resolution this Wednesday, despite lacking necessary support to pass through both chambers.

President Joe Biden has also threatened to veto this proposed legislation, indicating its unlikeliness to progress. This standoff is further complicated by comments from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. He urged fellow party members to instigate a shutdown unless Democrats agree to include a separate voting ID requirement in the budget negotiations.

Trump’s social media statement emphasized that Republicans should not proceed without guarantees regarding election security, showcasing his influence over party strategy. House Republican leaders, meanwhile, have tied a bill mandating proof of citizenship for federal voter registration to their stopgap measure, despite existing laws prohibiting non-citizens from voting.

The challenged voting bill, identified as H.R.8281, was originally proposed by Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy and narrowly passed in July but has since stalled in the Senate. The White House dismissed the measure in a recent statement, warning that it could hinder eligible Americans from registering and increase the risk of voter roll purges.

With a looming deadline, Congress must enact some form of spending bill before the month concludes to prevent a partial government shutdown, which could impact the upcoming November elections.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for bipartisan negotiations during a press conference, urging congressional leadership to collaborate. He placed the onus for initiating discussions on House Speaker Mike Johnson. Schumer’s appeal reflects a widespread desire for an agreement amidst rising tensions.

In contrast, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed caution, stating he would reserve judgment until he reviews the House’s actions. He firmly rejected the notion of a government shutdown, terming it a “bad idea” regardless of circumstances.

Discussing potential implications, Senate Republican Whip John Thune criticized the House GOP’s six-month plan, warning it might delay discussions on essential government funding bills until early next year. This stall could severely impact Senate operations, including the vetting of future Cabinet nominees.

Thune highlighted the necessity of providing predictability for military operations through timely government funding. He indicated that a shorter-term resolution might be preferable to navigate the upcoming congressional changes in January. However, he acknowledged diverging opinions amongst GOP leaders on the proposed long-term spending plan.

As Republican leaders prepare to assess opinions regarding the House’s proposal, a decision will emerge based on how the Senate chooses to engage with the upcoming challenges.

Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report.