House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing to include a proof of citizenship requirement for voter registration in a bill aimed at averting a government shutdown, despite facing strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. Johnson argues that election security is paramount, claiming that even a few illegal votes could influence elections, although research shows noncitizen voting is very rare. The bill, which includes a six-month funding extension, is expected to struggle in the House and would face further challenges in the Senate. Democrats advocate for a shorter funding extension and wish to remove the citizenship mandate, citing existing state safeguards for voter eligibility. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill as a partisan effort that is unlikely to gain traction. The first procedural vote on this spending bill is scheduled for Tuesday.