Washington Just as both party leaders were hoping to adopt the interim legislation, President-elect Donald Trump blasted the bipartisan government funding package in a statement Wednesday afternoon, causing confusion.
Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s combined statement seriously jeopardizes the bill’s chances in the Republican-controlled House, where Trump has considerable sway.
The government would have remained open until March 14 under the law. Absent congressional action, a shutdown is scheduled for this Saturday at 12:01 a.m. As of right now, there is no backup plan.
Republicans need to be tough and smart. Trump and Vance added, “CALL THEIR BLUFF if Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want.” Disaster relief and assistance to our farmers are being delayed by [President Joe] Biden and [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer.
Unexpectedly, Trump also insisted that the bill raise the debt ceiling, something that neither party had even been thinking about. Trump stated that he wants it to occur under Biden’s leadership, and it is anticipated to occur in the middle of next year.
Trump and Vance stated that while raising the debt ceiling is not ideal, they would prefer to do so during Biden’s administration. What makes anyone believe that Democrats will collaborate on the debt ceiling during our administration in June if they won’t do so now? Now let’s debate this. Additionally, we want to enact a simplified funding package that denies Chuck Schumer and the Democrats their demands.
According to Trump’s remarks, raising the debt ceiling and passing a temporary financing agreement devoid of Democratic giveaways are the answers. Any other action would be a betrayal of our nation.
The statement followed criticism of the measure by a number of conservatives both inside and outside of Congress, which Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had released on Tuesday.
This is a s— sandwich, said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. I don t know how else to say that. We re being forced into this position.
Within 24 hours of the bill s release, Elon Musk, the billionaire ally of President-elect Donald Trump, slammed it in a torrent of posts to his over 200 million followers on X, beforecalling fora month-long government shutdown until Jan. 20, when Trump is sworn in.
Kill the Bill, Muskwrote.
He added: One of the worst measures ever written. He also praised and congratulated the Republican members who declared they would vote against the plan.
Some House Republicans felt encouraged by Musk s attack on the legislation, which would keep the government open until March 14 and includes provisions to give lawmakers a pay raise, among many other policy measures negotiated by the two parties.
I love it, Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., said of the opposition. And I love the fact that they re paying attention, because I didn t come up here to continue this reckless funding process.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also praised Musk.
Elon put out a pretty serious post there. But you know, that s the sentiment of the American people, she said. This is why we won on November 5. Everyone is sick and tired of overspending.
“The American people did not send their representatives to Washington to vote on a 1,500-page bill in less than 24 hours that spends $110 billion and adds $110 billion to the deficit without the opportunity to offer an amendment to perhaps pay for this bill,” said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who chairs the hard-right Freedom Caucus, on Wednesday. The process is broken.
Some Republicans are blaming the mess on Johnson.
Johnson really f—ed this up. He put out a really bad bill, said one Senate GOP leadership aide familiar with discussions.
Asked if the bill was dead, the aide replied: We ll see … but looks very bad.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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