Congress Sidesteps Shutdown Despite Trump’s Push
Early Saturday morning, Congress successfully averted a government shutdown after House GOP leaders abandoned Donald Trump’s push for a debt limit suspension. Despite his prominent role as the party’s leader, the president-elect faced limits to his influence on Capitol Hill.
Funding Bill Passes Without Trump’s Debt Suspension
The House approved the funding bill Friday evening, with the Senate following shortly after midnight. The measure extends government funding through March 2025, provides $100 billion in disaster relief, and includes a farm bill extension. Notably, it excludes Trump’s proposed two-year debt limit suspension, which had initially derailed bipartisan negotiations.
Bipartisan Pushback on Trump’s Demands
Earlier in the week, Trump disrupted bipartisan efforts to prevent a shutdown by opposing an initial agreement. This led to the GOP pushing for a funding plan aligned with Trump’s request. However, the plan failed to garner enough support, with a significant number of House Republicans joining Democrats to vote it down.
Resolution Through Compromise
House Speaker Mike Johnson ultimately introduced a stopgap bill excluding the debt limit suspension, which passed with strong bipartisan support: 366-34 in the House and 85-11 in the Senate. Johnson emphasized that the outcome is a positive step for the country and noted that Trump appeared satisfied with the resolution.
Challenges Ahead for GOP Leadership
The funding battle highlights the complexities of navigating a slim GOP majority, even as Republicans prepare to control the House, Senate, and White House. Johnson acknowledged the challenges of leading a divided caucus, calling the role of Speaker one of the toughest jobs in politics.
Musk’s Input and Legislative Developments
Elon Musk, a vocal Trump ally, praised Johnson for his handling of the situation, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the Speaker did a commendable job under challenging circumstances.
In addition to the funding bill, the Senate unanimously passed the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, reauthorizing pediatric cancer research funding through 2028. Although this provision was initially included in the broader funding package, it was dropped at Trump’s request for a “clean” spending bill.
Looking Ahead
The funding resolution provides temporary stability, but the slim GOP majority and internal divisions signal that enacting Trump’s broader agenda in the upcoming Congress will be an uphill battle.
