As the deadline for a government funding bill approaches, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warns that a government shutdown would be 'politically beyond stupid' for the GOP, potentially leading to backlash from voters ahead of the upcoming elections. Former President Donald Trump is urging Republicans to demand the inclusion of the SAVE Act, which would impose stricter voter registration requirements, before agreeing to any funding resolution, despite opposition from Senate Democrats. Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to pair the SAVE Act with a six-month continuing resolution but faced significant dissent within his party, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled vote. Representative Tim Burchett expressed concern that Republicans would face severe media scrutiny if a government shutdown occurs, emphasizing the need to avoid it. The political landscape is tense as GOP leaders seek a bipartisan compromise while hard-line members push for more stringent measures.