Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to advance a bipartisan government funding bill after Speaker Mike Johnson’s partisan six-month funding measure, linked to voter registration reform, failed to pass.

Schumer stated the Senate may need to act first to avoid a government shutdown, which could occur if a funding plan isn’t approved by September 30.

Johnson has yet to present an alternative bill that can secure enough votes in the House.

Democrats oppose the voter registration proposal, calling it a “poison pill,” and many lawmakers want to avoid delaying fiscal 2025 spending bills until March, The Hill has reported.

Schumer emphasized the need for a cooperative approach to prevent a shutdown, while GOP senators expressed a preference for a clean three-month resolution.

Written by B.C. Begley