Government shutdown avoided/ Biden signs spending bill/ bipartisan budget deal/ Mike Johnson Speaker challenges/ Trump debt ceiling demands/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill Saturday to avert a government shutdown, funding operations through March 14 and providing $100 billion in disaster aid. The deal, passed after tense negotiations, excluded President-elect Donald Trump’s demand for a debt ceiling increase. House Speaker Mike Johnson faced challenges navigating GOP divisions while relying on Democratic support.
Budget Deal and Shutdown Drama: Quick Look
Key Points
- Deal Details: Funds government at current levels through March 14; includes $100B in disaster aid and $10B for agriculture.
- Debt Ceiling Excluded: Trump’s demand for immediate debt ceiling action was left out of the final agreement.
- Bipartisan Votes: Passed 366-34 in the House and 85-11 in the Senate, averting a shutdown.
- Challenges Ahead: Speaker Mike Johnson faces criticism within his party, while Trump’s influence looms over upcoming GOP priorities.
Biden Signs Bill to Avert Shutdown, Ending Washington Standoff
Deep Look
Biden Signs Shutdown-Averting Bill
President Joe Biden signed a critical spending bill on Saturday, avoiding a government shutdown just before Christmas. The legislation maintains government funding at current levels until March 14 and provides $100 billion for disaster aid and $10 billion for agricultural assistance.
The final legislation marked a compromise, sidestepping a contentious demand by President-elect Donald Trump to include a debt ceiling increase. This allowed Congress to avert a holiday season crisis after days of tense negotiations and political posturing.
Trump’s Debt Ceiling Demand Rejected
The legislative battle was complicated by Trump’s insistence on addressing the debt ceiling in the budget plan. Trump had called for a long-term debt ceiling extension, stating on social media, “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now.”
Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to incorporate Trump’s demands but faced opposition from both Democrats and fiscal conservatives within his own party. In the end, Johnson had to drop the debt ceiling provision to secure enough votes, relying on Democratic support to pass the bill.
The Role of Speaker Mike Johnson
Johnson, who took on the role of speaker just weeks earlier, faced immense pressure navigating the GOP’s internal divisions and Trump’s influence. His initial attempt at a funding deal failed, leaving him scrambling to devise a revised plan that could win bipartisan approval.
The House ultimately passed the final measure 366-34, with most Democrats supporting the bill alongside moderate Republicans. In the Senate, the vote was 85-11.
“This is a good outcome for the country,” Johnson said after the House vote, noting that Trump “was certainly happy about this outcome, as well.”
Future Challenges for the GOP
The spending agreement did little to resolve deeper tensions within the Republican Party. Some lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the compromise, criticizing Johnson for relying on Democratic votes to pass the measure.
The debt ceiling remains a looming issue. Congress last raised it in June 2023, suspending the limit until Jan. 1, 2025. While the Treasury can use “extraordinary measures” to delay default, experts predict that the U.S. could hit its borrowing limit by the summer of 2025.
Trump wanted to avoid such negotiations during his presidency, pushing for an immediate resolution. GOP leaders have instead promised to address the issue next year alongside a broader tax and spending package.
What’s in the Bill
The final 118-page bill funds government operations and provides:
- $100 billion in disaster aid for hurricane-stricken areas and other emergencies.
- $10 billion in agricultural assistance to support farmers.
Trump and Musk’s Influence
President-elect Trump, alongside billionaire Elon Musk, has demonstrated significant sway over congressional Republicans. Musk, who will head the new Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, actively criticized earlier versions of the spending bill.
While Trump celebrated the final agreement, his involvement underscored the challenges Johnson and congressional Republicans face as they prepare to navigate Trump’s second term.
Conclusion
With the crisis temporarily averted, Biden and congressional leaders avoided a holiday season government shutdown. However, the debates over fiscal policy and the debt ceiling are far from over, setting the stage for contentious negotiations in the months ahead.
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