The U.S. House of Representatives voted against a spending bill backed by Donald Trump on Thursday night, leaving the government on the verge of a shutdown. The bill, which needed a two-thirds majority to pass, failed with 38 Republicans joining Democrats to reject it.
Key Points
- Bill Details: The legislation proposed keeping the government funded through March while suspending the debt ceiling for two years, allowing the federal government to borrow more to pay its obligations.
- Vote Outcome: The bill was defeated, 174-235, marking a significant setback for Trump and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Why Did the Bill Fail?
- Republican Rebellion: Fiscal conservatives in the GOP opposed provisions that would increase the national debt, citing concerns over unchecked spending.
- Democratic Opposition: Democrats labeled the bill a “giveaway for billionaires” due to proposed tax cuts that would disproportionately benefit the wealthy, including Trump ally Elon Musk.
- Trump and Musk Influence: Trump and Musk’s late-stage demands—such as scrapping the debt ceiling—alienated some Republicans while galvanizing Democratic resistance.
Implications of a Government Shutdown
If Congress fails to act by Friday midnight, the government will partially shut down:
- Federal Workers: 875,000 “non-essential” employees could face unpaid furloughs, while essential staff would work without pay.
- Travel Disruptions: The Transportation Security Administration warns of delays during the busy holiday season.
- Agency Closures: Services like border enforcement and national parks would be impacted.
Republican Party Turmoil
The failed vote exposed deep divisions within the GOP:
- Speaker Mike Johnson’s Leadership: Johnson, already under fire for his handling of the negotiations, faces renewed threats to his position when the House reconvenes in January.
- Trump’s Growing Influence: Trump’s insistence on addressing the debt ceiling and his plans for sweeping tax cuts have exacerbated internal party tensions.
Democratic Stance
Democrats, who control the Senate, refuse to support the Republican bill and insist on a bipartisan solution. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the GOP’s proposal “extreme” and emphasized that Democrats would only back a plan aligned with their priorities.
What Happens Next?
House Speaker Johnson promised to “regroup” but offered no clear path forward. With no further votes scheduled, the shutdown seems likely unless Congress can reach a last-minute agreement.
Why Did Trump Support the Bill?
Trump’s primary motivation was to avoid dealing with a contentious debt ceiling fight early in his next term. He plans to implement massive tax cuts that could reduce federal revenues by $8 trillion over a decade, further straining the budget.
His demand to “get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous debt ceiling” reflects his broader fiscal strategy to minimize government constraints during his presidency.
Bottom Line
With a government shutdown looming, the Republican Party’s internal fractures and Trump’s polarizing influence are pushing Congress into chaos. If no resolution is reached, millions of Americans could face disruptions during the holiday season.
