Speaker Johnson Postpones Vote on a Bill to Avoid a Partial Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 10: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference following a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to extend government funding for six months that includes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which requires voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship at the time of registration, is facing opposition from key Republicans, jeopardizing its chances as concerns about military readiness and fiscal impacts begin to surface. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Mike Johnson has postponed a vote on a temporary spending bill that would keep federal agencies and programs funded for six months. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the measure lacks the support to pass as a potential partial government shutdown looms. The legislation would also require that people registering to vote provide proof of citizenship. Johnson is signaling he’s not backing off linking the two main components of the bill, but he needs more time to win over members of his own party. Congress needs to pass a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1 to avoid a partial government shutdown just weeks before the election.