Dem
51
GOP
49
As part of his deal with the devil (a.k.a. Donald Trump), Mike Johnson is busy pretending that voter fraud is a major issue that needs to be confronted. And so, within hours of outmaneuvering Marge Greene yesterday, the Speaker was on the steps of the Capitol, touting his bill to make it illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections.
At this point, you might be saying: "Wait. Isn't it already illegal for non-citizens to vote?" Or maybe: "Wait. Isn't this a virtually unheard-of phenomenon?" If you had either of those responses, you are absolutely correct. This is a non-issue on two counts. But Johnson has to make nice to Trump, and so he pretends this is VERY IMPORTANT legislation to solve a VERY SIGNIFICANT problem.
Here's a picture of the press conference; we think it tells you pretty much all you need to know:
You can just feel the enthusiasm, particularly since most of these people (outside of Chip Roy, R-TX, and a couple of others) are not members of Congress, they are people in Trump's orbit. Note, in particular, that Stephen Miller, who spoke before Johnson did, appears to be very bored, standing there (ironically enough) on the far left. Also, who designed that sign? When you use an alternate color for some words, it's supposed to be to highlight a separate but perhaps complementary thought. For example, if it was Americans BUY AMERICAN Trucks, then that would make sense. But what is the purpose in emphasizing "DECIDE AMERICAN"? That doesn't mean anything by itself, and it isn't more compelling visually.
We presume that Johnson will now quietly file this proposed legislation in the circular file. But if he does bring it up, and it does pass, then isn't that actually bad news for the Republicans? Because then, the problem will be "solved" and they won't be able to gripe about phony illegal votes anymore. (Z)