Government Shutdown Averted: House Passes Legislation to Fund Government
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to avert a midnight government shutdown, defying President-elect Donald Trump’s demand to also greenlight trillions of dollars in new debt.
Legislation Details
The legislation would extend government funding until March 14, provide $100 billion for disaster-hit states and $10 billion for farmers. It would not raise the debt ceiling, a difficult task Trump has pushed Congress to do before he takes office on January 20.
House Speaker’s Comments
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans would have more power to influence government spending next year, when they will have majorities in both chambers of Congress and Trump will be 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," he told reporters after the vote. He said Trump supported the package.
Impact of Government Shutdown
A government shutdown would disrupt everything from law enforcement to national parks and suspend paychecks for millions of federal workers. A travel industry trade group warned that a shutdown could cost airlines, hotels, and other companies $1 billion per week and lead to widespread disruptions during the busy Christmas season. Authorities warned travelers could face long lines at airports.
Debt Ceiling Debate
Trump’s demand to lift the debt ceiling was resoundingly rejected by the House, including 38 Republicans, on Thursday. The federal government spent roughly $6.2 trillion last year and has more than $36 trillion in debt, and Congress will need to act to authorize further borrowing by the middle of next year. Johnson said lawmakers would look at the issue in January.
Representative’s Comments
Representative Rich McCormick, one of 34 Republicans who voted against the bill, said it did nothing to change the nation’s fiscal trajectory and would only add to the debt load. "We will be the country of the past if we continue doing what we’re doing," he said.
Conclusion
The legislation passed by the House would avert a government shutdown and provide disaster aid and funding for farmers. While it does not raise the debt ceiling, it is a necessary step to bridge the gap and put the government’s finances in order. The Senate will now need to pass the bill to ensure the government is funded beyond midnight.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the legislation passed by the House?
A: The legislation aims to avert a government shutdown and provide disaster aid and funding for farmers.
Q: Why did President-elect Trump reject the legislation?
A: Trump demanded that the legislation also raise the debt ceiling, which was rejected by the House.
Q: What are the implications of a government shutdown?
A: A government shutdown would disrupt various government services and suspend paychecks for millions of federal workers.
Q: What is the current state of the federal government’s finances?
A: The federal government spent roughly $6.2 trillion last year and has more than $36 trillion in debt.