A Trump-backed streamlined spending bill aimed at averting a government shutdown failed in the House of Representatives on Thursday, intensifying political tensions in Washington.
The legislation, brought forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was designed to provide aid to farmers and disaster relief while rejecting the bipartisan stop-gap measure initially proposed.
Despite Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s vocal opposition to the broader spending package, the new bill was defeated by a 174-235 vote, with only two Democrats supporting it.
Elon Musk blamed House Democrats for the failure, citing their lack of support for what he called a “super fair and simple bill.” Meanwhile, internal Republican discord saw 38 GOP members voting against the measure, signalling deeper challenges ahead.
The rejection leaves Congress scrambling to prevent a partial government shutdown, with a Friday night deadline looming.
Trump and Vance criticised the previous bipartisan proposal, accusing it of prioritising political interests, including provisions tied to the January 6 committee and congressional pay raises, over the needs of struggling Americans.
With the national debt exceeding $36 trillion, they argued for a more targeted spending approach that sets the stage for success in 2025. However, the ongoing division within the GOP and the lack of Democratic buy-in cast doubt on the prospects of passing a viable alternative before the deadline.
Wouldn’t the Dems just Love to leave the country’s economy in such a mess that Trump has no chance of fixing it. Sick bunch of losers……
Government workers still get paid, they’re under no pressure to solve ANY problem.