U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) cast a pivotal vote on Wednesday evening in favor of a federal spending bill designed to keep the government running through March 2025 and strengthen election security by requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
The bill, which incorporated provisions from the *Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act*, sought to prevent election fraud by ensuring only U.S. citizens could cast ballots in future elections.
Despite the SAVE Act gaining bipartisan support earlier this year, House Democrats overwhelmingly opposed its inclusion in the spending package, resulting in the failure of both the funding measure and the election reform proposal.
With only 12 days left before the September 30 deadline, Bost warned of the potential consequences if a spending bill isn't passed soon, including interruptions to essential government services.
In a statement following the vote, Bost criticized the opposition, saying, "Sadly, House Democrats – some of whom voted for the SAVE Act earlier this year – stood in near unanimous opposition to the plan, killing both bills." He reaffirmed his commitment to preventing a government shutdown and ensuring election integrity, vowing to continue fighting for Southern Illinoisans' access to crucial government services and fair elections.
Congress is expected to resume negotiations in an effort to reach a deal before the looming shutdown deadline.
