With just two days left, Congress must act to avoid a partial government shutdown after Trump rejects the bipartisan spending bill. What’s next for lawmakers?

US Congress Faces Shutdown Deadline as Trump Rejects Spending Bill

The U.S. Congress is under pressure to act quickly as it faces a looming deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown. With just two days to go, lawmakers are scrambling to negotiate a spending bill before the midnight Friday deadline. But President-elect Donald Trump has rejected a bipartisan bill that would extend government funding, creating uncertainty about what’s next.

Trump Rejects the Spending Bill

Trump’s rejection of the bipartisan bill has thrown a wrench into the negotiations. The bill, which would have funded the government through March 14, includes provisions that Trump and many of his allies find problematic, such as provisions backed by Democrats. Trump has made it clear that he does not want Congress to simply extend funding without addressing other critical issues, like the national debt.

Shutdown Deadline Looms

With the clock ticking, Congress must act fast. If no agreement is reached by Friday, a partial government shutdown will begin on Saturday, right before the holiday season kicks into full gear. A shutdown could lead to disruptions in air travel, law enforcement, and other critical services, adding to the already stressful holiday period.

Trump’s Criticism of the Bill

Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the proposed deal, particularly its lack of focus on addressing the national debt. He warned that any Republican who votes in favor of the current bill could face primary challenges from within the party. His criticism has created a rift within the GOP, making it harder for lawmakers to reach a consensus.

Impact of a Shutdown

A government shutdown would affect millions of Americans. Essential services like law enforcement would continue, but many federal workers could face furloughs. The economic impact would also be felt across industries, from government contractors to the travel sector.

 

What Does the Bipartisan Deal Include?

The proposed bipartisan deal includes temporary government funding at current levels, disaster relief funding, and aid for farmers. It also includes a range of other provisions, like a pay raise for lawmakers, which have drawn the ire of some Republicans. Despite these disagreements, the bill could have been a short-term solution to prevent a shutdown.

 

Trump’s Demands on Debt Ceiling

In addition to rejecting the spending bill, Trump is calling for an immediate increase in the national debt ceiling. This would allow the government to continue borrowing money and avoid default. However, raising the debt ceiling is a politically challenging task, and there’s no consensus yet on how to address it.

 

The Role of Elon Musk in the Debate

Elon Musk, a strong ally of Trump, has also weighed in, urging Congress to reject the spending bill. Musk, who has been tasked with trimming the federal budget, believes that passing the bill without addressing budgetary concerns would be a mistake.

Congressional Leadership Reactions

Republican leaders, like House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Steve Scalise, are in the midst of negotiations, but the situation remains fluid. While Johnson described talks as “productive,” no clear agreement has emerged.

 

The Debt Ceiling Crisis

The U.S. government’s debt currently stands at a staggering $36 trillion, and lawmakers must raise the debt ceiling soon to avoid economic catastrophe. If Congress fails to act, the government could default on its obligations, causing severe economic consequences.

 

How Will the Shutdown Affect the Holiday Season?

A shutdown during the holiday season would not only disrupt government services but also create chaos for travelers, especially around Christmas. With many government workers furloughed, essential services like TSA operations could face delays.

 

Bipartisan Cooperation: Will It Happen?

Despite the tensions, a bipartisan agreement will likely be needed to pass any spending bill. With the House controlled by Republicans and the Senate by Democrats, cooperation will be key to resolving the crisis.

 

The Next Steps for Congress

As negotiations continue, Congress must decide whether to pass a short-term bill to prevent a shutdown or risk the consequences of inaction. The next few days will be critical.

Conclusion

As the deadline approaches, the question remains: will Congress act in time to prevent a shutdown? With Trump’s rejection of the current bill and mounting pressure from both sides, the outcome remains uncertain. All eyes will be on Congress as they work to find a solution before it’s too late.

 

FAQs

1. What happens if the government shuts down?

A shutdown would disrupt essential services like air travel, law enforcement, and government operations. Many federal employees could be furloughed.

2. Why is Trump rejecting the bipartisan spending bill?

Trump objects to certain provisions in the bill, including those backed by Democrats, and wants the national debt ceiling raised before the end of the year.

 

3. What is the national debt ceiling?

The debt ceiling is a cap set by Congress on how much the government can borrow to meet its financial obligations. Raising it is necessary to avoid a default.

 

4. How would a shutdown affect the holiday season?

A shutdown could delay government services like TSA operations, affecting holiday travel. It would also furlough non-essential government workers.

 

5. What is the likelihood of a shutdown being avoided?

While negotiations are ongoing, it’s unclear if Congress will reach a compromise in time to prevent a shutdown. The situation remains fluid.