Johnson Withdraws Stopgap Bill Amid GOP Divisions

House Speaker Mike Johnson has withdrawn his proposed government funding bill, which included the controversial SAVE Act, due to insufficient support within his party. The bill, intended to keep the government funded through March 2025, faced opposition from both defense hawks and fiscal conservatives within the GOP, as well as Democratic resistance. Former President Donald Trump has pressured Republicans to include the SAVE Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, resulting in heightened internal GOP divisions. Johnson aims to build consensus over the weekend to avoid a potential government shutdown as the September 30 deadline approaches. The bill's chances of passing remain slim due to the narrow Republican majority and opposition in the Democrat-controlled Senate.