Trump Calls For Major Last-Second Change
Former President Trump is intensifying his efforts to rally House Republicans around a short-term funding package that would integrate critical voting provisions. This push comes at a pivotal time, as Congress races against the clock to prevent a government shutdown set for the end of September.
Unlike Speaker Mike Johnson’s straightforward continuing resolution (CR), Trump’s proposal seeks to attach a voting requirement that would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. This approach diverges from the current clean CR plan, complicating negotiations and potentially leading to a government shutdown.
Trump has been actively reaching out to House Republicans who previously opposed a similar bill that combined a six-month CR with voting reforms. His calls over the past few days are aimed at garnering support for a three-month CR that includes the voting language he champions. These discussions occurred just as the House was preparing to vote on Johnson’s clean CR, which is set to last until December 20.
While the specifics of Trump’s voting provisions remain unclear, they may include elements from the Safeguard Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a measure that has encountered resistance in previous negotiations. Some members of the GOP who initially rejected the past CR could reconsider their stance if Trump’s proposal gains traction.
However, adopting Trump’s last-minute strategy could lead to serious repercussions, including a government shutdown. Senate Democrats and the White House are firmly advocating for a clean CR, dismissing any amendments, especially the SAVE Act, which they deem unacceptable.
The implications of a shutdown are particularly concerning as many Republicans believe that such a scenario would undermine their position ahead of the upcoming elections. Trump has publicly stated that without the SAVE Act, Republicans should refuse to support any funding resolution, emphasizing the necessity of securing conservative priorities.
As the clock ticks down, the challenge for GOP leadership is to balance these competing demands while maintaining party unity and avoiding a government shutdown that could derail their electoral prospects. The situation remains fluid, and how the party navigates these tensions will be crucial in the coming days.
