Funding and Defiance?

To avoid a government shutdown just weeks before the elections—something that could hurt the GOP's image—Speaker Johnson employed a legislative maneuver called the "Suspension of Rules," which requires a two-thirds majority for passage. This was Plan B after the first bill failed in the House due to a controversial provision, supported by Trump, that would require proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats viewed this provision as unnecessary, given that non-citizens are already prohibited from voting in federal elections. They saw it as a Republican ploy to bolster their image, particularly as Trump’s campaign leans heavily on stricter immigration policies.

By removing the citizenship requirement, Speaker Johnson was able to get the funding bill across the finish line, securing 341 votes, with 132 Republicans and 209 Democrats joining forces to defeat 82 Republicans who opposed the measure, even at the risk of a shutdown.

Did Speaker Johnson defy Trump? Johnson framed it as a decision about the bigger picture—funding the government, which affects everyone, was more urgent than pushing the citizenship provision, which could be addressed in a future bill. Whether Trump views this as defiance or strategic pragmatism remains unclear. But Johnson acted in what he saw as the best interest of the country, even if it might rub Trump the wrong way.