House lawmakers took decisive action on Friday to prevent a government shutdown, passing a crucial government funding bill just moments before the midnight deadline.
Vote Outcome and Implications
The final vote tally stood at 366 to 34, with one Democratic lawmaker abstaining. Notably, House Democrats provided essential support for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who faced opposition from 34 Republicans. The Senate is now expected to transmit the bill to President Joe Biden for his approval. The White House confirmed Biden's backing for the bill as the voting process unfolded.
Shutdown Contingency Planning
Although federal agencies have initiated shutdown preparations, there exists a small window of opportunity if funding lapses for just a few hours. However, any prolonged delay could disrupt various aspects, ranging from servicemember pay to holiday travel arrangements.
Implications for Transition and Inauguration
While former President Trump downplayed the repercussions of a shutdown, it could have impacted the smooth transition of power and the preparations for his inauguration. The bill, once signed into law, will secure government funding until March 14, affording President-elect Donald Trump some leeway upon assuming office next month.
Debt Ceiling Debate and Future Plans
Republicans rebuffed Trump's request to suspend or eliminate the debt ceiling, a move that would have preemptively addressed a contentious political issue ahead of potential GOP initiatives to extend Trump's 2017 tax legislation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and fellow Democrats ultimately supported a revised agreement that omitted several initially proposed incentives to garner broader party backing.
Conservative Opposition and Legislative Outcome
Elon Musk and conservative activists opposed the initial bipartisan bill, leading to its demise earlier in the week. Following Trump's call for a streamlined funding bill and debt ceiling extension, a subsequent proposal faced resistance from 38 House Republicans and a majority of House Democrats, heightening the shutdown risk.
In a statement, Vivek Ramaswamy, set to co-lead Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency" alongside Musk, emphasized the challenges ahead and readiness for the task at hand.
Musk endorsed the legislation prior to its passage, commending Speaker Johnson's adept handling of the situation. The episode underscored the persistent divisions within Republican ranks, which Trump must address to advance his policy agenda effectively.
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By: bgriffiths@insider.com (Brent D. Griffiths)
Title: House Lawmakers Approve Government Funding Bill to Avert Shutdown
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/house-votes-government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-debt-ceiling-2024-12
Published Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:22:05 +0000
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