Congress returns to a crucial spending battle with election stakes

After a protracted summer recess, Congress is back in session on Monday and faces a high-stakes fight over federal spending that could have a big impact on the White House’s destiny as well as the elections that take place in November. In order to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month, the main attention is on a difficult stopgap budget package.

House Republicans are advocating for a six-month extension of federal funding through March 28, 2025. However, their proposal includes a controversial measure that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration. This provision, which critics argue is unnecessary given existing federal laws, is part of a broader GOP effort to address unsubstantiated claims of widespread illegal voting by noncitizens. Speaker Mike Johnson, who is championing this measure, believes it is essential to “ensure that only American citizens can decide American elections.”

The proposal has sparked a fierce debate, particularly with a September 30 shutdown deadline looming. Senate Democrats are resistant to the voter registration requirement, viewing it as an attempt to exploit xenophobic fears rather than address actual voting issues. They favor a shorter extension, typically until the end of December, to wrap up the year’s appropriations and allow the next administration to begin with a clean slate.

Senator Susan Collins, a top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, supports a December deadline, arguing that it would prevent the new administration from having to deal with outdated fiscal issues. Representative Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, concurs, stressing that a December resolution is better for national security and other critical areas.

Adding to the complexity, former President Donald Trump has publicly supported a government shutdown if the voter registration measure is not included, aligning with hardline Republican positions. Trump’s stance could put additional pressure on House Republicans, who face the challenge of balancing demands from their base with the need to reach a compromise.

The stakes are enormous with the election in November quickly approaching. A shutdown, according to some House Republicans, may hurt their chances in close races and possibly threaten their majority in the chamber. Nevertheless, Speaker Johnson’s stance on the six-month extension is a calculated effort to avoid the customary parliamentary pandemonium at the end of the year and give Trump more authority over the upcoming fiscal year, should he be re-elected.

The path forward is fraught with challenges, as past shutdowns have often led to blame falling on Republicans, a legacy many want to avoid repeating. The focus will be on whether Congress can bridge the divide between extended funding and policy demands to prevent a shutdown and ensure the government continues to operate smoothly.