WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has dismissed a bipartisan plan aimed at averting a government shutdown this Christmas, instructing House Speaker Mike Johnson and fellow Republicans to renegotiate just days before the deadline for federal funding.
The unexpected ultimatum has thrown Congress into disarray, as lawmakers rush to finalize work before the holiday recess. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a daunting task to ensure the government remains operational by Friday.
Here’s the latest update:
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly placed the responsibility for any potential government shutdown squarely on the Republicans. In statements from the U.S. Capitol Wednesday evening, Jeffries declared, “House Republicans will now own any harm that is visited on the American people as a result of a government shutdown, or worse.”
“An agreement is an agreement,” Jeffries added. “It was bipartisan, and there’s nothing more to say.”
Democrats have expressed strong opposition to GOP resistance concerning the stopgap measure, which would have allocated approximately $100 billion in disaster aid for states severely affected by recent hurricanes and other natural calamities.
The situation has been further complicated by influential figures voicing their disapproval of the spending measure. Musk, who is involved with the incoming Trump administration overseeing efficiency initiatives, has used his platform to criticize the proposed budget.
Musk immediately condemned the plan upon its release late Tuesday night, asserting, “This should not pass.” His outreach included sharing criticism aimed at the bill with his extensive follower base.
Alongside others compelling action, Musk warned that any elected official voting for the spending bill risks losing their position in the next election cycle, illustrating his significant impact in political circles.
Trump’s refusal to accept the spending bill, which could prevent a holiday shutdown, signals a powerful, commanding presence ahead of his inauguration, reviving a climate of unpredictability reminiscent of his previous term.
The episode highlights the growing influence of voices like Musk and Ramaswamy, who characterized the budget legislation as excessively spend-thrift. Their strong stance on social media intensified as they encouraged opposition to the proposed funding.
If Congress cannot pass a continuing resolution or a more definitive spending measure by Friday, the federal government risks shutting down.
This dilemma stems from Congress’s decision at the end of the previous fiscal year on September 30 to implement a temporary funding measure to keep operations afloat.
The current measure is set to expire on Friday.
During tight budget discussions, “CR” frequently arises in conversations about governmental spending. “CR” refers to a “continuing resolution,” a temporary funding bill allowing federal operations to continue until a more permanent budget is passed.
Typically, CRs maintain the same funding levels as prior allocations or previously approved resolutions from the ongoing year.
The decision to renegotiate came amidst a Republican stalemate regarding a funding package necessary before the imminent deadline.
Consolidated spending bills, often referred to as omnibus packages, can present problems due to their bulk and the limited time lawmakers have to comprehend the intricacies before voting.
Democrats rebuked Trump’s dismissal of the spending measure, emphasizing that failing to provide federal funding would adversely affect ordinary citizens while largely sparing wealthier individuals.
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut questioned the motives of affluent political figures in wanting to instigate a government shutdown during the holiday season, stressing the hardship it would impose on those dependent on government services.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the chorus of Republicans opposing the spending bill, labeling it “grotesque” and offensive to American intelligence, while emphasizing the proactive steps his state has taken in disaster preparedness.
In an unexpected turn of events, Trump has reignited tensions by urging Republican lawmakers to renegotiate a plan just days before the crucial deadline is set to arrive.
This development leaves Congress grappling with a tight framework to maintain government operations during this pivotal holiday season.
Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance emphasized, “Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH,” in their remarks, proposing an approach that intertwines uninterrupted government funding with a controversial increase of the national debt limit.
The unfolding situation reveals the complexities as lawmakers prepare for their holiday break while being pressed to ensure government functionality faces significant challenges ahead.
