The possibility of a government shutdown is again on the table for Congress.

Today marks the return of the House and Senate to Capitol Hill after a month-long recess, and they have just three weeks left to secure government funding before the deadline on September 30.

House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana has introduced a temporary funding bill aimed at extending government operations until March 2025. This plan is designed to provide funding for an additional six months, thereby avoiding a chaotic end-of-year budget showdown.

However, there is a significant condition attached.

A Controversial Condition: Voting Citizenship Proof

The challenge with Johnson’s proposal may include an additional controversial measure: the potential implementation of a bill that mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration. If this bill is passed, states would need to require documentation of citizenship to register to vote within 30 days of its enactment, which would coincide with the upcoming November elections.

Currently, it is against the law for non-citizens to participate in federal elections in the U.S., and research has indicated that there is no substantial evidence showing significant illegal voting activity. Nonetheless, former President Donald Trump has highlighted this issue in his campaign against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, while President Joe Biden has already threatened to veto the legislation.

As the House and Senate navigate their discussions, the chances of a government shutdown are low leading into the November elections, as it could adversely affect both political parties.

Senator John Cornyn from Texas mentioned on Fox News Sunday that the GOP’s voting bill has turned into “a partisan issue,” stating he believes a shutdown is unlikely.

Consequences of a Government Shutdown

If the government does not pass a budget by September 30, it will result in many congressional staff members going unpaid while lawmakers continue to receive their salaries.

In the event of a shutdown, all federal agencies will cease operations except for those deemed “essential,” such as the U.S. Postal Service, Medicare, and Social Security. Other repercussions could include furloughs for government employees, delays in food assistance programs, and national park closures.

During a shutdown, processes for issuing passports may be suspended, but essential workers like air traffic controllers and customs agents will remain on duty. This could lead to disruptions in the airline industry and affect travelers due to the lack of pay for controllers and insufficient training for new FAA staff.

Since the 1970s, there have been at least 21 instances of federal government shutdowns. The last temporary funding measure was approved shortly before another shutdown was set to occur in March 2024.