House Fails To Pass GOP Stopgap Funding Plan

Authored by Joseph Lord, Stacy Robinson and Jackson Richman via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

The House failed to approve a GOP stopgap funding plan on September 18, resulting in uncertainty over government shutdown.

The proposal, aiming to extend the government funding deadline by six months, was turned down by a 202-220 vote in the House, with 14 Republicans breaking ranks to oppose it. Three Democrats crossed the aisle to support the bill, while two members abstained.

Aside from moving the funding deadline from September 30 to March 2025 through a continuing resolution, the bill included the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which mandated proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Democrats strongly opposed the plan, advocating instead for a three-month clean continuing resolution without policy riders. They dismissed the SAVE Act, citing existing laws that already prohibit noncitizens from voting.

Republican dissent towards the spending plan was multifaceted. Some objected to the use of continuing resolutions, others felt the spending levels were excessive, and some believed a six-month stopgap would inadequately fund the military for an extended period.

Following the bill’s defeat, House Republican leaders are regrouping with just 12 days left until government funding lapses. Several GOP members speculated that leadership might opt for a clean continuing resolution with Democratic support in the end.

Lack of Republican Consensus

The legislation was initially scheduled for a vote last week but was pulled by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on September 11 due to bipartisan opposition. He mentioned that the bill was still in the phase of building consensus.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) voiced opposition to continuing resolutions, advocating for passing the 12 required funding bills separately instead of bundling them into resolutions or year-end omnibus spending bills.

“Whether Democrats are in control or Republicans are in control, we never do the 12 separate bills,” he remarked, labeling the situation as “political theater.”

While the inclusion of the SAVE Act was intended to appease Republicans who might otherwise reject the bill, many criticized the move as a futile “show vote” unlikely to become law or be implemented before Election Day.

“I don’t know what’s changed over the weekend to think that you put this on the floor tomorrow, it’s going to pass,” commented Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) the night before the vote.

Nehls acknowledged the value of forcing Democrats to take a stance on the issue.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) expressed support for the bill, suggesting it would be more feasible to address funding under a new administration.

“I firmly believe that you cannot find that compromise with this current White House. It should be left to the next president of the United States,” Donalds stated.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), House Appropriations Committee chairman, noted that the House allocated more funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs than requested by the Biden administration.

Cole emphasized the importance of the SAVE Act amidst the border crisis.

“I’m extraordinarily perplexed that the idea of reaffirming in a time of unmitigated disaster at the southern border that you’ve got to be an American citizen to vote in an election is somehow controversial,” he remarked.

Democrats Vowed to Reject the Bill

Prior to the vote, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), House Appropriations Committee ranking member, highlighted the existing illegality of noncitizens voting in federal elections.

“This bill is an admission that the House Republican majority cannot govern,” she asserted.

DeLauro criticized the bill for allegedly neglecting the military, Social Security recipients, and communities grappling with disasters and lacking relief.

Even if the bill had passed the House, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) indicated he wouldn’t bring it to a vote in the Senate, labeling the SAVE Act as a “poison pill.”

“Democrats support a [continuing resolution] to keep the government open. As I have said before, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way,” he wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter.

President Joe Biden had also pledged to veto the bill.

The bill’s failure forces leaders to revisit the drawing board on government funding. Of the 12 annual appropriations bills, the House has passed five, none of which advanced in the Senate due to controversial cultural provisions.

The Senate has yet to pass any funding bills.

Traditionally, when government funding deadlines loom in September, lawmakers postpone the issue until December, passing extensive omnibus spending bills with bipartisan support.