As the clock ticked down to a potential government shutdown, the House of Representatives approved a new funding plan on Friday night presented by Speaker Mike Johnson. This plan aims to fund government operations temporarily and allocate disaster relief but has notably excluded demands from President-elect Donald Trump regarding an increase to the debt ceiling into the upcoming year.
Johnson emphasized that Congress was committed to fulfilling their responsibilities and ensuring that federal operations would not stall ahead of the holiday season. Nevertheless, the day culminated in uncertainty, heightened by Trump’s insistence that without a debt ceiling hike included in the agreement, the government should “start shutting down now.” The bill passed with a significant 366-34 vote and is expected to receive swift approval in the Senate.
After the vote, Johnson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, revealing that he had communicated with Trump, who he said was pleased with the result. This marked Johnson’s third attempt to secure a funding deal for the federal government, which has raised questions about his leadership and ability to navigate the challenges posed by the demands of his party and Trump.
Trump’s last-minute demand for a debt ceiling increase was a tall order. Johnson had limited options, as support within the Republican majority for additional debt was unlikely, given a faction of Republicans’ preference for reducing government spending. Instead, with an eye on their complete control of the White House and Congress next year, Republicans found themselves frequently leaning on Democratic votes to sustain essential government functions.
In the lead-up to the vote, Musk challenged the integrity of the legislation on social media, questioning whether it was a genuine Republican initiative or a Democratic one. The innovative 118-page package proposed keeping government funding at current levels through March while adding $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance.
Removed from this latest iteration were the demands to elevate the debt ceiling, with GOP leadership suggesting that discussions surrounding the debt limit would be revisited as part of forthcoming tax and border legislation in the new year. The agreement posited among Republicans included plans for a $2.5 trillion spending cut over a decade while also raising the debt ceiling, a proposal that had faced resistance in previous attempts.
Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, remained skeptical about the sincerity of the effort after earlier bipartisan compromises fell through. Jeffries mocked the situation with a social media post, indicating dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership.
Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democratic figure on the Appropriations Committee, questioned who truly was in charge, pointing to the apparent influence wielded by Musk and Trump over Republican strategies and decisions. Despite the contentious atmosphere, the White House ultimately supported the bill, with Democratic votes outnumbering Republican ones in its passage.
Trump’s involvement in the situation, even before his inauguration, showcased both his influence and the limitations of that influence as he sought to manage affairs from his residence in Florida, alongside Musk, who leads the incoming administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. Trump made clear his indifference towards a government shutdown, which he deemed a strategic move, in stark contrast to those worried about its impact on Americans.
Trump’s primary concern remains pushing the contentious debt ceiling discussions aside ahead of his January return to the White House, arguing it would impede his administration’s agenda. He emphasized the need to either eliminate the debt ceiling or extend its limits significantly.
Initially, Johnson tried to accommodate Trump’s preferences, but was ultimately compelled to work around them. The initial bipartisan plan, which included provisions for disaster relief but not the debt ceiling issue, faced backlash from Trump and Musk. Their proposed alternative, a trimmed-down legislative measure aimed at increasing the debt ceiling for two years, was also rejected by many fellow Republicans, signaling internal discontent and division.
As potential shutdown preparations unfolded, federal workers were left anxious about their paychecks during the holiday season. As President Biden approached the end of his term, he took on a quieter role in negotiations, while Republicans shifted blame for any potential shutdown onto his administration.
In discussions around congressional strategy, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell urged his peers to remember the political risks associated with a government shutdown. The election for the new Speaker of the House will be one of the initial actions of the new Congress come January 3, with Johnson needing the backing of near-total Republican membership to maintain his position.
Amidst speculation about Musk possibly stepping into leadership roles, Johnson acknowledged their conversations regarding the substantial challenges ahead. As tensions rose within the party, criticism from Trump allies intensified, with comments suggesting that Johnson was not fit for his role and should be replaced, highlighting a tense atmosphere for the Speaker in the nation’s capital.