US Government Shutdown Looms Amid Trump and Musk’s Opposition to Spending Bill

A potential government shutdown in the United States could occur by Saturday midnight, following President-elect Donald Trump’s appeal to Republican legislators to oppose a bipartisan spending measure designed to finance federal operations until March. Trump advocated for Congress to abandon the current agreement in favor of a more concise alternative with fewer clauses. This intervention came after significant objections to the legislation voiced by technology magnate Elon Musk. On Wednesday evening, Republican House Majority Leader Congressman Steve Scalise signaled the demise of the bill, subsequent to Trump’s condemnation. Congress must approve this short-term appropriations bill by the week’s end to avert the closure of federal government agencies starting Saturday. Consequently, Republican leaders are compelled to devise a new strategy, with a deadline of 23:59 EDT (04:59 GMT) to finalize an agreement before current funding lapses and the government ceases operations. Such a shutdown would lead to federal services, including the National Park Service and Border Patrol, curtailing and initiating the closure of their activities this weekend. On Wednesday night, Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance delivered the decisive rejection to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s bipartisan funding proposal, following an advocacy effort spearheaded by Mr Musk on X. Mr Musk, whom Trump has assigned to reduce government expenditures in his upcoming administration, actively campaigned against the current arrangement, frequently posting criticisms of the bill on Wednesday, sometimes including inaccurate assertions. The president-elect and vice-president-elect are advocating for simplified legislation that omits Democratic-supported clauses that Johnson had negotiated with members of the opposing party. This bipartisan agreement, which is now defunct, aimed to prolong government funding until March 14, a period extending several months beyond Trump’s anticipated return to the White House. This legislative action is required because Congress failed to approve a budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which commenced on October 1. Instead, legislators chose to enact a provisional funding extension valid until December 20. Furthermore, in a joint declaration, they urged Congress to elevate the debt ceiling, which governs the government’s borrowing capacity for its financial obligations, and to restrict the funding legislation to interim spending and aid for disasters. The statement asserted: “Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling.” They characterized any other outcome as “a betrayal of our country.” Through messages on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump issued a warning, vowing to assist in removing from office “any Republican that would be so stupid as to” endorse the present iteration of the bill, which was introduced on Tuesday. He stated, “If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF.” Johnson’s extensive 1,500-page continuing resolution encompassed over $110bn (£88bn) for emergency disaster assistance and $30bn (£23bn) for agricultural support. Additionally, it featured the initial pay increase for legislators since 2009, federal appropriations for reconstructing a bridge that collapsed in Baltimore, healthcare system adjustments, and clauses designed to protect consumers from misleading advertising by hotels and live event venues. Johnson’s next steps remain uncertain. Representatives from both political factions are scheduled to convene on Thursday to determine their respective strategies. Democrats are improbable to offer Johnson assistance for a revised funding bill, holding him accountable for violating their bipartisan accord. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on X: “You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.” Following Trump’s opposition to the bill, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement asserting: “Republicans need to stop playing politics with this bipartisan agreement or they will hurt hardworking Americans and create instability across the country.” President Joe Biden’s spokeswoman further remarked, “Triggering a damaging government shutdown would hurt families,” and concluded by stating: “A deal is a deal. Republicans should keep their word.” Over the last five decades, the United States has experienced 21 government shutdowns or partial shutdowns; the most prolonged occurred during Trump’s initial presidential term, lasting 35 days. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.