 "House rejects Trump-backed funding plan as US heads toward a government shutdown")
The US House of Representatives rejected another spending bill backed by President-elect Donald Trump, which was touted as Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan B to avert a government shutdown. On Thursday, the House voted 235-174 to reject the spending bill, where two-thirds of the chamber was needed for passage.
Despite multiple threats from billionaire Elon Musk, 38 Republicans joined 197 Democrats to oppose the controversial bill, which also called for the suspension of the debt ceiling. According to The Hill, the bill was debated in the House for roughly three hours, during which the Democrats - led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries - called the legislation “laughable.”
The House Republicans rushed to push for a new bill following the intervention of Trump and Musk. The two firebrands torpedoed the original bipartisan agreement, raising fears of a government shutdown. With the rejection of the latest bill, Johnson will have to scramble yet again to find a way out, as the current government funding expires at the end of the day on Friday.
Why the bill failed despite Trump’s support
Johnson had to spend hours on Thursday behind closed doors to devise a plan B after Trump rejected the initial stopgap funding bill. The president-elect later threw his support behind the new plan to avert the government shutdown. “SUCCESS in Washington!” Trump posted on social media, as key Republicans said they had reached a tentative deal. “Speaker Mike Johnson and the House have come to a very good Deal.”
However, Trump’s bubble was busted after some Republicans remained unpersuaded by the new deal, which did not have several key provisions that its predecessor had. Meanwhile, Democrats expressed anger against Johnson for scrapping the previous bipartisan bill.
“Extreme Maga Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, calling the new bill “laughable.” A handful of Republican lawmakers rejected the bill largely because of the inclusion of a two-year suspension of the debt limit, which was a demand made by President-elect Trump.
“More debt. More government. Increasing the Credit Card by $4 trillion with ZERO spending restraint and cuts. HARD NO,” Republican Representative from Texas Chip Roy wrote on X. If Congress does not agree to a funding plan, the country will witness another government shutdown, which will have dire consequences for several federal agencies and federal employees.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsInterestingly, the most recent government shutdown also came during the holiday season, which ultimately turned into the longest one in the country’s history. It was under Trump’s presidency and lasted for 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019.
Under a shutdown, all government services that are not deemed “essential” will stop functioning. National parks will close, and government food assistance will be delayed, affecting thousands of people relying on federal agencies.
With inputs from agencies.
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