Washington: President-elect Donald Trump has called on U.S. lawmakers to reject a proposed stopgap bill aimed at keeping the government funded beyond Friday, raising the likelihood of a partial government shutdown just days before the Christmas holiday.
Trump, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, issued a statement criticizing the bill unveiled Tuesday, describing it as riddled with “Democrat giveaways.” The duo urged lawmakers to pass a revised temporary spending bill that excludes controversial provisions and addresses the national debt ceiling, introducing further complications into the already contentious process.
Shutdown Looms Amid Funding Stalemate
The potential shutdown threatens to disrupt essential services, including air travel, law enforcement, and federal agency operations. It would be the first government shutdown since the 34-day closure during Trump’s initial presidential term from December 2018 to January 2019.
The current stopgap bill, proposed by congressional negotiators, aims to fund government agencies at current levels while allocating $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion in farm aid. It also includes unrelated provisions such as a pay raise for lawmakers and new regulations on hidden hotel fees.
Trump and Vance argue that the bill should focus solely on temporary funding and disaster relief while addressing the looming debt ceiling crisis. “If Democrats won’t cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration?” they stated.
Political Deadlock
Passing any spending measure requires bipartisan agreement in the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a narrow majority, and the Senate, controlled by Democrats. Without action, government operations will halt on Saturday.
Congress has yet to pass regular appropriations for the fiscal year, forcing reliance on stopgap measures. Long-standing fiscal imbalances, driven by tax cuts, expanded healthcare programs, and an aging population, have pushed U.S. debt to $36 trillion. Failure to address the debt ceiling could unsettle bond markets, with severe economic repercussions.
Musk’s Influence
Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, has added pressure by urging Congress to reject the bill, threatening electoral repercussions for lawmakers who support it. Musk, who contributed over $250 million to Trump’s campaign, has been tasked with advising on budget cuts.
Musk’s opposition has complicated the bill’s passage, particularly among House Republicans. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole acknowledged the challenge, stating, “There’s never an easy fix to anything around here.”
Democratic Opposition
Democrats criticized Trump’s intervention, describing it as a prelude to chaos. “House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government. And hurt the working-class Americans they claim to support,” tweeted House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Also Read | Mayotte Grapples with Aftermath of Cyclone Chido as Death Toll Remains Unclear
Implications of a Shutdown
If Congress fails to act, operations of federal agencies such as the Pentagon and NASA, both of which engage with Musk’s companies, will face disruptions. Essential programs like Social Security will continue automatically. However, widespread interruptions in public services could have significant consequences, especially during the holiday season.
Also Read | Matt Gaetz Ethics Report to be Made Public as Congress Prepares to Adjourn
A Divided Road Ahead
The looming shutdown underscores the challenges of bipartisan collaboration in a divided Congress. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing temporary funding needs with long-term fiscal responsibilities as the nation awaits Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
