Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that Republican support for the latest budget proposal hangs in the balance unless Democrats agree to a more secure voting process. He issued a strong warning to congressional Republicans, suggesting that if there are no solid guarantees regarding election security, they should abandon the continuing resolution (CR) offered by House Speaker Mike Johnson, which is already facing resistance from within the party.
The sticking point in all of this appears to be the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation, designed to ensure that only American citizens can cast votes in federal elections, has ruffled more than a few feathers on the left. Trump is adamant that bolstering election integrity is non-negotiable. His message on social media was clear: without “absolute assurances” on election security, moving forward with the CR would be a mistake.
Trump urges Republicans to stop backing CR if there are no assurances on election security https://t.co/A4rCfMbKrI
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) September 10, 2024
Several Republicans have joined Trump in opposing the CR, voicing concerns that the traditional practice of passing such resolutions has become a favorite crutch for government inaction. Notably, members like Mike Rogers and Cory Mills have already voiced their dissent, standing firmly against the spending plan and calling for a cleaner slate on appropriations. There’s a sense that these passionate politicians are fed up with half-measures and wish to focus on restoring credibility to the voting system.
Trump’s assertion highlighted a prevalent fear among conservatives that Democrats are attempting to exploit the system, possibly allowing non-citizens to register as voters. The timing could hardly be more critical, as Johnson’s CR needs Republican unity to pass. With the looming specter of a government shutdown just weeks away, a failure to agree on a budget could have serious consequences—though it’s hard not to see this as a golden opportunity for Republicans to draw a hard line.
As it currently stands, Johnson can only afford to lose four GOP votes when the resolution comes up for a vote. Despite the seeming urgency, it is doubtful that any Democratic support will come his way due to the inclusion of the SAVE Act. The stage has been set for a showdown as the clock ticks down toward the deadline. In the world of politics, a resolution meant to ensure fiscal health could just as easily be a battleground for the future of election integrity. Without a doubt, the stakes are high, and the call to action could reshape the political landscape leading into the next election cycle.
