The US Senate passed a stop-gap funding bill late Friday, avoiding a government shutdown and rejecting Trump’s debt ceiling demand. Approved 38 minutes after the midnight deadline, the bill prevented disruption and now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.
The Senate passed the bill in an 85-11 vote, following an earlier 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.
Bipartisan Efforts Avert Shutdown
The White House highlighted the significance of the funding bill, stressing its importance in avoiding a government shutdown during the holidays.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries praised the bill’s passage, calling it “a victory for the American people.” He emphasized that Democrats provided most of the votes to advance the measure, underscoring their role in averting economic disruption.
Without this agreement, thousands of federal employees would have been furloughed, and holiday travel could have been severely impacted. The last shutdown, in December 2018, lasted 35 days and was the longest in US history.
However, the process became contentious when Trump demanded the suspension of the federal debt ceiling as part of the package. Critics viewed this as an attempt to avoid political fights early in his administration.
Debt Ceiling Demand Sparks Political Tensions
Trump’s push to include the debt ceiling suspension faced opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. Many fiscal conservatives criticized the move, warning it would add trillions to the national debt.
House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a pared-down bill with the debt ceiling suspension, but it failed by 174-235, a significant blow to Trump. Critics accused the measure of prioritizing the interests of wealthy allies, such as Elon Musk, over financial responsibility.
Musk stirred controversy by attacking the original bipartisan funding bill on social media, spreading misinformation about its provisions. He falsely claimed it included a 40% pay raise for lawmakers and $3 billion for an NFL stadium.
His comments fueled divisions within the Republican Party, with some jokingly suggesting Musk should replace Johnson as House Speaker. Meanwhile, Democrats mocked Musk’s influence, calling him a destabilizing force in Congress.
Despite the setbacks, Musk later praised Johnson’s efforts, describing the situation as “a good job given the circumstances.”
Republicans Prepare for Fiscal Challenges
Without the debt ceiling suspension, Trump faces a politically sensitive issue as he prepares to take office. Johnson described the funding bill as a temporary solution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive fiscal decisions in 2025.
Johnson expressed optimism about Republican leadership, stating, “This is a necessary step to bridge the gap.” However, the events of the past week revealed fractures within the GOP, raising questions about the party’s unity.
As Republicans look ahead, the unresolved debt ceiling debate and internal divisions point to challenging times. The party must navigate these tensions to deliver on its promises and maintain credibility.
