Johnson's Spending Bill Dilemma: Election Integrity Provision Sparks Republican Rift

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a critical test in crafting a government spending bill, grappling with a growing rift within the GOP over an election integrity provision.

Congressional lawmakers are nearing a crucial deadline to approve a government spending package, and House Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating a political quagmire that could have significant implications for his leadership.

A faction of Republican lawmakers led by Johnson insists on attaching a provision to the spending bill that would require proof of citizenship in the voter registration process. However, the Democrat-controlled White House and Senate have rejected this provision as non-negotiable.

Johnson's Spending Bill Dilemma: Election Integrity Provision Sparks Republican Rift

Conservatives on Johnson's right flank, including members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, are staunchly behind the election integrity provision and want Johnson to fight for a six-month continuing resolution (CR) that includes it. However, a growing contingent of GOP lawmakers are resigned to a short-term spending patch until December to give negotiators more time to work out next year's federal spending.

Johnson's handling of this issue will be pivotal for his political future. If he fails to secure the election integrity provision, he faces backlash and a potential challenge to his speakership. On the other hand, if he insists on the provision and fails to pass the spending bill, the consequences could be dire, including a government shutdown.

Johnson's Spending Bill Dilemma: Election Integrity Provision Sparks Republican Rift

Fox News Digital spoke with several GOP lawmakers, who expressed varying opinions. Some saw little appetite for a coup but acknowledged that Johnson could face backlash if he fully acquiesced to Democrats on spending. Others were more critical, suggesting that Johnson's support could suffer if he fails to deliver on the election integrity provision.

Rep. Eric Burlison, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, conceded the possibility of blowback but did not see an imminent threat to Johnson. Rep. Andy Ogles noted that while he was close to Johnson, an omnibus spending bill could factor into leadership calculations.

Johnson's Spending Bill Dilemma: Election Integrity Provision Sparks Republican Rift

Reps. Troy Nehls and Cory Mills, who have been critical of Johnson, hinted at a potential leadership challenge. Nehls suggested that House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan would be a strong candidate, while Mills expressed concerns about Johnson's leadership capabilities.

However, other conservative lawmakers expressed confidence in Johnson's leadership. An anonymous source stated that Johnson is genuine in his efforts to avoid an omnibus spending bill.

Johnson's Spending Bill Dilemma: Election Integrity Provision Sparks Republican Rift

As Johnson navigates these treacherous waters, he is also dealing with pressure from former President Donald Trump, who has called for a partial government shutdown if election security legislation is not passed. Johnson has maintained that he is committed to finding a solution that ensures only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections.

The stakes are high for Johnson and the GOP. If Republicans lose the majority in the upcoming elections, Johnson will only need a majority vote of his conference to remain its leader. However, as Speaker of the House, he would require a majority of the entire chamber, which would likely require GOP unity.

The outcome of the spending bill negotiations will have far-reaching consequences, both for Johnson's leadership and for the future of government funding and election integrity in the United States.