House Speaker Withdraws Spending Bill with Voter ID Provision

WASHINGTON – U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., pulled a six-month stopgap spending bill on Wednesday, halting Republican efforts to push a voter ID requirement for federal elections. The bill faced strong opposition from Democrats, tepid support from Senate Republicans, and a veto threat from the Biden administration.

Johnson explained that GOP lawmakers plan to work over the weekend to reach a consensus on the spending bill and a provision requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.

“No vote today because we are in the consensus-building business,” Johnson said. “We’re having thoughtful conversations within the Republican Conference, and I believe we’ll get there.”

With the start of the new fiscal year looming on Oct. 1, Johnson emphasized the importance of funding the government to avoid a shutdown and addressing concerns over illegal voting in the upcoming November election, though non-citizen voting is already prohibited by law.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump weighed in on social media, urging GOP members to reject any short-term funding bill unless it includes the voter ID measure. Meanwhile, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, called for bipartisan negotiations after Johnson's withdrawal of the vote.

The delay comes at a critical moment as Congress races to prevent a government shutdown and as immigration and election integrity remain central topics in the 2024 presidential race.