WASHINGTON — The president-elect, Donald Trump, made a sudden move on Wednesday by dismissing a bipartisan strategy aimed at averting a government shutdown, instructing House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP members to begin renegotiating the plan just days before federal funding is set to expire.
This abrupt shift in demands has thrown Congress into disarray, as legislators attempt to finish their business and return home for the holidays. Meanwhile, Johnson is racing against the clock to find a solution before the deadline this Friday.
Latest Developments:
Senior GOP lawmakers exited a meeting in the House speaker’s office, indicating they are still working towards finalizing a bill to prevent a shutdown. Representative Tom Emmer, who ranks third among Republican leadership, described the situation as “fluid,” while Rep. Tom Cole reassured that progress had been “good.” Another senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, expressed optimism, stating, “I think there’s a path forward.”
However, any potential legislation will require support from Democrats to succeed in Congress, rendering the task for Republican leaders complicated as they try to meet Trump’s expectations while also securing some Democratic votes.
Democratic Stance on GOP Shutdown Dilemma:
The efforts by Trump and his supporters to derail the bipartisan spending agreement have left Democrats frustrated, especially after weeks of sincere negotiations with Republican leaders. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed that there is no chance his party will provide any assistance to bail out Republicans facing a shutdown crisis. He stated on social media, “GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check. Hard pass.”
Understanding Continuing Resolutions:
As Congress approaches funding deadlines, the term “Continuing Resolution” or “CR” frequently arises. A CR is a temporary funding bill allowing the federal government to remain operational until a long-term budget is authorized by Congress and the president. Typically, a CR maintains funding levels similar to the previous year or a currently approved resolution.
What Happens if a Shutdown Occurs?
If Congress fails to pass a CR or a permanent spending solution by Friday, a government shutdown will commence. This predicament arises in part because Congress postponed addressing budget issues when the fiscal year ended on September 30 by approving a temporary funding measure that is now set to expire.
Trump’s Firm Resolve:
Donald Trump has asserted his resolve to “fight till the end” for an increase in the debt ceiling from Congress, although the end seems distant. The last suspension of the debt limit occurred until January 2025 as part of a deal made by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Despite being signed into law, this move didn’t pacify some House Republicans, leading to McCarthy’s departure from his position.
Following a grueling negotiation process, Trump is now urging Johnson to push through a debt ceiling extension while simultaneously managing the risk of a government shutdown.
Late-Night Negotiations:
The House Speaker engaged in discussions with GOP representatives late into the night at the Capitol aimed at resolving the current impasse. Senator JD Vance was present until nearly 10 p.m. with his young son in tow. Vance later stated, “We had a productive conversation,” while avoiding in-depth queries regarding the specifics of the discussions.
Trump’s Recommendations for Johnson:
On Thursday morning, Trump shared advice with Fox News Digital, suggesting that Speaker Johnson could effectively maintain his position in the next Congress if he acts “decisively and tough” and eliminates pitfalls tied to the spending package initiated by Democrats. He warned that any support for a bill not addressing what he termed as “Democrat quicksand” could lead to consequences for Republican politicians.
The Role of Influential Figures:
The comprehensive 1,500-page spending proposal faced challenges early on due to staunch opposition from right-wing conservatives, influenced by Trump’s ally, billionaire Elon Musk. Musk publicly criticized the plan shortly after its announcement, causing ripples among Republicans. Even with significant funding for disaster aid included, many GOP members awaited Trump’s signal regarding their voting intentions.
Representative Andy Barr, R-Ky., noted an influx of calls from constituents expressing concerns over Musk’s stance on the bill. “My phone was ringing off the hook,” Barr stated, highlighting their sensitivity to Musk’s opinions.
Democrats Condemn GOP’s Actions:
Democrats have expressed condemnation over the GOP revolts against the stopgap measure, which would have allocated significant disaster assistance to various states. Hakeem Jeffries criticized the situation, asserting Republicans will bear responsibility for any adverse effects stemming from a potential government shutdown.
Influence of Trump and Musk:
As the day unfolded, the pressure from Trump and Musk effectively stalled the proposed spending bill, exacerbating the situation after Musk’s criticisms of what he termed excessive spending gains traction among Republican lawmakers.
With growing political influence, Musk, along with Trump, continues to shape the Republican agenda significantly, including initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency aimed at streamlining federal operations.
Administration’s Warning:
The White House, under President Biden, is pointing fingers at Republicans for the looming shutdown ramifications. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged Republicans to cease politicizing the bipartisan agreement, warning of the potential harm to everyday Americans. She emphasized the need for Republicans to fulfill their commitments while criticizing Trump and Vance for inciting a shutdown threat.
Senators Await Outcomes Amidst Uncertainty:
The response among Republicans to Trump’s latest demands has been varied, though many seem to defer to his authority. Some recognize the justification behind Trump’s aspirations but are also concerned about the immediate needs of their states for disaster relief.
Despite reservations, the consensus appears to be that confrontation over the debt ceiling should come after sufficient measures are instituted, as the conventionally lengthy negotiations surrounding the topic may leave critical funding in jeopardy.
Trump has now threatened to support primary challenges against any GOP member advocating for a straightforward continuing resolution, arguing for issues to be resolved before his inauguration. He has cautioned that any Republican pursuing a “clean CR,” effectively extending existing funding levels, would face electoral consequences following his entry into office.