Washington D.C. Races to Avoid Government Shutdown Before Christmas
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Washington D.C. was buzzing with tension as the clock ticked towards a midnight deadline that could have led to a government shutdown just days before Christmas. Luckily, the House of Representatives swooped in to save the day, approving a government spending bill with only hours to spare, followed by the Senate shortly after midnight.
A Narrow Escape
In a decisive move, the House voted overwhelmingly—366-34 to pass the bill, with all the “no” votes coming from Republicans. The lone exception was one member who decided to vote ‘present’ rather than take a side. The Senate, under Democratic control, joined in with an 85-11 vote, sending the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk with expectations high that he’ll sign it into law.
Why the Rush?
This spending bill is a crucial measure to keep the government funded through mid-March and is the third attempt to avoid a shutdown in just two days! The political wrangling got intense when Donald Trump and Elon Musk threw a curveball, derailing an earlier bipartisan agreement. This left not just Democrats, but also several Republicans feeling the fatigue from the increasing influence these billionaires appear to hold over Congress.
A Battle of Loyalties
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries seemed to brilliantly play the chess game, forcing Republicans to battle it out among themselves. It looked like the minority party was calling for shutdowns one minute and then scrambling to accept a newer deal put forth by House Speaker Mike Johnson the next, all while excluding Trump’s big demand to abolish the debt ceiling.
Johnson himself told reporters that he had been “in constant contact” with Trump, even chatting with Musk about an hour before the crucial vote, stating, “He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country.”
Countdown to Shutdown
Had the funding not come through, countless federal workers could have faced furlough just before the holidays. And let’s not forget about our military service members, who would have found themselves working without pay! That’s a situation no one wanted to walk into as we approach Christmas.
Trump and Musk’s Influence
The recent standoff reveals the troubling reality that many House and Senate Republicans will continue to dance to the tunes set by Trump and Musk as they get ready for the Republican majority in Congress come next year. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise heaped praise on Johnson for navigating through what he labeled as “difficult times,” signaling that while tensions are high, there isn’t much appetite for challenge to Johnson’s leadership. But concerns linger as previously established orders seem to crumble under external pressure.
Jeffries Declares Victory
In the aftermath of the vote, Jeffries declared victory for what he termed the “American people.” He claims they managed to prevent the “billionaire boy’s club” from hindering the lives of working-class Americans. However, the bill passed contains some notable omissions, including funding for pediatric cancer research and community health centers. These cuts stir up additional concerns for many.
DeLauro’s Frustration
Democratic Congresswoman Rose DeLauro vented her frustration, highlighting how the funding priorities were misaligned and even questioned Musk’s investments in China while he’s collaborating closely with the upcoming administration. Her comments drew shockwaves, emphasizing the existential crisis in Congress — “Who is in charge?”
A Look Ahead
The White House press secretary sounded the alarm that a government shutdown would have led to significant disruptions, hindering essential services just as the holiday season swings into full gear. Meanwhile, some Republicans who were advocating for the bill construed it as a necessary compromise for hurricane relief in their districts, voicing it as preferable to initial proposals that seemed convoluted and counterproductive.
In a nutshell, while this time around Congress narrowly dodged a shutdown bullet, the political undercurrents show no signs of slowing down. The looming presence of Trump and Musk raises even more questions about the future trajectory of party lines and governance. Stay tuned; Washington’s drama doesn’t end here!
