GOP Risks Shutdown to Stop Non-Citizen Voting—Will Trump Get His Way?

Trump, GOP House Ready to Risk Shutdown Over Non-Citizen Voting in Spending Bill

As the clock ticks down towards a potential government shutdown, former President Donald Trump and key members of the House GOP are signaling their willingness to take a hard stand on an issue they see as critical to preserving the integrity of American elections. At the center of the debate is the proposed “Save America’s Vote Act,” a measure that would bar non-citizens from voting in federal elections. Conservative lawmakers are pushing to attach this act to the upcoming continuing resolution (CR) that must pass to keep the federal government funded beyond September 30.

The Push for the Save America’s Vote Act

The “Save America’s Vote Act” (SAVE Act) aims to address a growing concern among Republicans regarding non-citizen participation in American elections. Although federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, some local jurisdictions have allowed non-citizen voting in certain local elections. The SAVE Act seeks to reinforce the ban at the federal level, ensuring that only U.S. citizens have a voice in federal election processes.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is under considerable pressure from Trump and members of the House Freedom Caucus to include the SAVE Act in the CR. Johnson, who has previously expressed support for tightening election security, now faces the challenge of balancing this demand with the broader necessity of passing a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.

According to reports, the push for the SAVE Act has gained traction among GOP members who see this as a crucial moment to advance conservative election reforms. “This is about ensuring the sanctity of the vote for American citizens,” said a Republican lawmaker familiar with the discussions. The lawmaker added, “We can’t allow non-citizens to dilute the votes of American citizens. It’s a matter of principle.”

Trump’s Influence

Former President Trump has been a vocal advocate for stricter election laws since his 2020 defeat, which he continues to attribute to widespread voter fraud—an unproven claim that resonates strongly within his base. Trump has made it clear that he views the SAVE Act as a litmus test for GOP lawmakers’ commitment to election integrity. In recent days, Trump has publicly urged Republicans to stand firm, even if it means a government shutdown.

“Trump’s influence in this debate cannot be overstated,” noted a GOP strategist. “His base is highly energized by the issue of election integrity, and they expect Republican leaders to fight tooth and nail to protect the vote.” The strategist continued, “This is a defining moment for the GOP in Congress. They have to show they’re willing to go the distance, even if it means a temporary shutdown.”

The Risks of a Shutdown

However, the push to include the SAVE Act in the CR is not without risks. A government shutdown could have wide-ranging impacts, from delaying federal paychecks to disrupting services that millions of Americans rely on. Some Republicans are wary of the potential fallout, particularly with an election year approaching.

Despite these concerns, there is a growing sentiment within the GOP that now is the time to act on election reform. “We can’t keep kicking the can down the road,” said another GOP member. “The American people want to see action, and this is our chance to deliver.”

The Road Ahead

As the deadline approaches, Speaker Johnson faces a delicate balancing act. While the pressure to include the SAVE Act in the CR is intense, he must also consider the broader implications of a government shutdown. With the House Freedom Caucus and Trump exerting significant influence, the outcome remains uncertain.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill as the GOP navigates this critical juncture. Whether the SAVE Act will be included in the spending bill—and whether Republicans are willing to risk a shutdown to make it happen—remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the stakes could not be higher for the GOP, Trump, and the future of American elections.