In a move that could further divide the already polarized Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is planning a vote on a six-month stopgap spending bill that includes a contentious crackdown on non-citizen voting. Despite lacking the necessary support to get it passed, Johnson is determined to move forward with the vote as the September 30 funding lapse deadline approaches.

The urgency to address funding and secure elections has led Speaker Johnson to announce the upcoming vote on Wednesday. He stated that Congress has an immediate obligation to responsibly fund the federal government and ensure the security of elections, highlighting the importance of both issues.

However, doubts have been raised about the bill's chances of success. Even after leadership's intense efforts to rally support over the weekend, the bill remains short of the necessary votes. Some Republicans have expressed skepticism, casting doubt on whether the vote will actually take place.

Even if the bill were to pass in the House, it would face substantial opposition in the Senate. With Democrats in control, the bill is unlikely to gain widespread support in the upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has acknowledged this reality and is losing patience with Speaker Johnson.

As the clock ticks towards a potential government shutdown, Schumer is signaling that the Senate is prepared to take the lead. Recognizing Johnson's predicament within his own party, Schumer aims to avoid wasting valuable time in Washington, D.C. and move forward with necessary measures.

In addition to the voting crackdown, another contentious issue adding fuel to the government funding debate is Secret Service funding. President Biden and Majority Leader Schumer are calling for increased funding for the Secret Service in the aftermath of two assassination attempts on former President Trump within two months. However, Republican leaders remain unconvinced that money is the main problem.

Meanwhile, House Democrats are increasing public pressure on their Republican counterparts to demonstrate their claimed support for access to fertility services. This comes after former President Trump proposed making fertility treatments free and positioned himself as a leader on the issue, triggering a wave of Democratic efforts to expose GOP divisions on IVF.

With a potential government shutdown looming on October 1st, the allocation of funds and the fractious debates surrounding voting rights and Secret Service funding remain unresolved. As tensions rise between partisan factions, the nation waits for Congress to find common ground and fulfill their obligations to the American people.