The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives passed a critical funding bill on Friday to avert a midnight government shutdown, disregarding President-elect Donald Trump’s push for a debt ceiling increase.
The legislation, which extends government funding until March 14, includes $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion for farmers but avoids raising the debt ceiling—a contentious issue Trump had urged Congress to address before his January 20 inauguration.
The Democratic-controlled Senate must now pass the bill to ensure the government remains funded beyond midnight (0500 GMT Saturday). The White House confirmed President Joe Biden intends to sign the legislation if approved by the Senate.
Strategic Timing for Influence
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that the bill provides a temporary solution, giving Republicans greater influence over spending decisions in the next congressional session when they will hold majorities in both chambers, alongside Trump in the White House. “This was a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that moment where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending,” Johnson stated, adding that Trump supported the package.
Avoiding Economic Disruption
A government shutdown would have disrupted federal operations, including law enforcement and national parks, and suspended paychecks for millions of federal workers. The travel industry warned that a shutdown could cost airlines, hotels, and other businesses $1 billion per week, causing widespread disruptions during the holiday season.
Streamlined Bill After Controversy
The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 366-34. Earlier in the week, a similar proposal was abandoned following criticism from Trump and his adviser Elon Musk, who opposed provisions unrelated to funding, such as pay raises for lawmakers and measures targeting pharmacy benefit managers.
Democrats also criticized Musk’s influence, highlighting concerns about potential conflicts of interest tied to his business ventures in China. Representative Rosa DeLauro accused Musk of evading accountability regarding his plans to expand operations in China and sell American technologies.
Future Battles Ahead
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries commended the bill for addressing immediate needs, such as disaster relief and preventing a shutdown, while blocking a debt-ceiling hike. “We have successfully advanced the needs of everyday Americans, but there are still things to be worked on, and we look forward to that fight in the new year,” he said.
The package now awaits Senate approval, marking the next step in averting a crisis and setting the stage for renewed debates over fiscal priorities in 2025.
