Johnson had tied the temporary spending bill to the SAVE Act, a proposal that would amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. "We're in the consensus-building business here in Congress with small majorities," Johnson told reporters while announcing postponement of the funding bill. With a slim majority, Republicans can only afford to lose four votes. However, leadership anticipated as many as 15 GOP defections if the vote were held this week, according to two sources who spoke to NBC News. Johnson added that his team would continue discussions with the Republican holdouts over the weekend to secure their support. A government shutdown looms on Oct. 1 if Republicans and Democrats cannot reach an agreement on a funding deal. “We’re having thoughtful conversations, family conversations, within the Republican conference, and I believe we’ll get there," Johnson added. "People have concerns about all sorts of things. That’s how the process works and sometimes it takes a little more time." The proposed stopgap measure would extend funding at current levels through March 28. Republican lawmakers opposing the bill argue that it perpetuates what they view as excessive spending. Some also object to the practice of passing continuing resolutions, advocating instead for a return to the traditional process of passing annual spending bills separately. The House passed the SAVE Act in July, but Republicans pushed for another vote, aiming to put Democrats in swing districts on record either supporting the measure or explaining to constituents why they opposed it. “I want any member of Congress in either party to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections. … It’s the most pressing issue right now, and we’re going to get this job done,” Johnson said. Democrats, however, argue that Republicans are wasting time on legislation unlikely to pass and should focus on crafting a bipartisan funding plan. “Republicans should work with Democrats on a bipartisan package, one that has input from both sides, one that avoids harmful cuts, one that is free of poison pills. We’re ready to sit down and work with them immediately,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.House Speaker Mike Johnson has withdrawn a government funding bill after facing resistance from congressional Republicans who threatened to block the measure.
