House GOP leaders look like trying to find a backup plan after an preliminary bipartisan deal to keep away from a partial authorities shutdown on Friday was buried in an avalanche of conservative opposition.
The laws angered hardline conservatives in each the House and Senate – in addition to President-elect Donald Trump’s decide to co-chair his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk.
As Musk known as for lawmakers who supported the invoice to lose their seats, Trump’s presidential transition workforce launched an official joint assertion by Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance opposing the preliminary iteration of the deal.
Members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus mentioned they felt blindsided by what they noticed as unrelated coverage riders being added to the invoice in last-minute negotiations.
The invoice was anticipated to get a vote someday on Wednesday afternoon, however deliberate late afternoon votes had been canceled that day.
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Speaker Mike Johnson, left, and Elon Musk are at odds over a authorities spending invoice. (Jean Catuffe/GC Images/Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The 1,547-page bill is a short-term extension of fiscal 12 months (FY) 2024 authorities funding ranges, aimed toward giving lawmakers extra time to agree on funding the remainder of FY 2025 by the Friday deadline.
It’s the second such extension, known as a seamless decision (CR), since FY 2024 ended on Sept. 30.
In addition to funding the federal government by way of March 14, the invoice additionally has greater than $100 billion in catastrophe help to assist Americans affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. It additionally consists of an added $10 billion in financial reduction for farmers, in addition to well being care reform measures and a provision aimed toward revitalizing Washington, D.C.’s RFK stadium and its surrounding campus.
Johnson defended the deal on “Fox & Friends” Wednesday morning.
“When we begin the brand new Congress in January, when Republicans are in management…we’re going to have the ability to reduce the dimensions and scope of presidency. But earlier than we get to that time, bear in mind proper now, we solely management one half of 1 third of the federal authorities. Remember, Democrats are nonetheless answerable for the Senate and the White House. So what we have achieved is the conservative play name right here,” he mentioned.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. praised the invoice. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., additionally praised the CR.
“I’m happy these negotiations led to a bipartisan authorities funding settlement freed from cuts and poison tablets, whereas additionally securing Democratic priorities like thousands and thousands for youngster care, workforce coaching and job placement, help for the Key Bridge rebuild, further catastrophe reduction funding and extra,” he mentioned.
Opponents of the laws embody Elon Musk, who posted on X, “Ever seen a much bigger piece of pork?”
