House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing challenges in securing a stopgap funding measure to avert a government shutdown by the end of the month, as opposition from hard-line Republicans has led to the cancellation of a planned vote. The proposed continuing resolution would maintain current spending levels until March and includes a controversial bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, which Senate Democrats have labeled a nonstarter. Senators from both parties are giving Johnson time to negotiate but warn that the Senate may need to intervene if no agreement is reached. Concerns have been raised about the impact of budgetary uncertainty on defense contractors, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasizing the risks of a long-term continuing resolution. Senate Democrats are prepared to support a clean continuing resolution, aiming to extend the deadline to December rather than March. The ongoing discord highlights a broader struggle within the GOP over spending priorities and legislative strategy.