News Summary:
- The US Senate passed a stop-gap funding bill, avoiding a government shutdown and rejecting Trump’s demand to suspend the debt ceiling.
- Trump faced opposition over his debt ceiling proposal, which critics argued would increase the national debt and benefit wealthy allies.
- The funding bill highlights deep divisions within the Republican Party, signaling future challenges in addressing budget issues.
The US Senate approved a stop-gap funding bill late Friday, preventing a government shutdown and rejecting Donald Trump’s demand to suspend the debt ceiling. Passed 38 minutes after the midnight deadline, the bill avoided disruptions and now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill in an 85-11 vote, following a 366-34 bipartisan vote in the House. The legislation extends federal funding at current levels while including $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion for farmers.
Crisis Averted as Parties Clash Over Budget
The White House emphasized the importance of the bill, calling it essential for avoiding a government shutdown during the holiday season.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated the passage of the funding bill, describing it as “a victory for the American people.” He highlighted that Democrats provided most of the support to advance the bill, underscoring their efforts to prevent harm to working-class Americans.
Without this agreement, a government shutdown would have left thousands of federal employees furloughed and caused chaos during holiday travel. The previous shutdown, in December 2018, lasted 35 days, becoming the longest in US history.
However, tensions escalated when Trump demanded a suspension of the federal debt ceiling as part of the package. Critics viewed this as a way to avoid political battles early in his term, but many opposed the move.
Trump Faces Opposition Over Debt Ceiling Proposal
Trump’s push to suspend the debt ceiling sparked strong resistance from both Democrats and some Republicans. Fiscal conservatives criticized the plan, arguing it would increase the national debt.
The pared-down bill, which included the debt ceiling suspension, failed in the House by 174-235, marking a significant defeat for Trump. Critics also claimed the proposal was a way to benefit wealthy allies like Elon Musk while sidestepping financial accountability.
Musk added fuel to the fire by attacking the original bipartisan funding bill on social media. He falsely claimed the bill included a 40% pay raise for lawmakers and $3 billion for an NFL stadium.
These statements deepened divisions among Republicans, with some jokingly suggesting Musk should replace Mike Johnson as House Speaker. Meanwhile, Democrats mocked Musk’s influence, accusing him of creating chaos in Congress.
Despite these controversies, Musk later praised Johnson’s handling of the situation, calling his efforts “a good job given the circumstances.”
Republicans Prepare for Future Budget Battles
With the debt ceiling suspension removed, Trump inherits the politically sensitive issue as he prepares to assume office. House Speaker Mike Johnson framed the funding bill as a temporary solution, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive decisions in 2025.
Johnson expressed optimism about Republican governance, stating, “This is a necessary step to bridge the gap” and prepare for fiscal reforms. However, the week’s events highlighted deep divisions within the Republican Party, raising concerns about its ability to unify.
As Republicans look ahead, the unresolved debt ceiling debate and internal conflicts signal challenging times. Moving forward, the party must address these tensions to deliver on its promises and maintain credibility.