Congress and President-elect Trump Clash Over Debt Ceiling and Funding Plans

Congress is influenced by President-elect Trump which has led to a temporary funding plan, but his constant demand regarding the debt ceiling creates challenges for lawmakers. Not only that, it also threatens the stability of the government. 

Early Saturday, the US Senate passed a temporary funding plan to avoid a government shutdown. The bipartisan plan covers two main areas of federal operations: disaster aid and funding. However, President-elect Donald Trump’s request to increase the debt limit was denied. If Trump’s demand is not met he has threatened to shut down the government. House Speaker Mike Johnson played a vital role in ensuring that before Christmas Congress met its obligations and the pass of funding plan.  (85-11) was the Senate followed suit and the House approved the bill with a significant majority of (366-34) that just made the deadline meet. The White House ceased the shutdown once the plan was approved. Johnson was relieved after the House vote and said, “This is a good outcome for the country”. He added after having a dialogue with Trump and the president-elect that they too were certainly satisfied with the outcome. Throughout a turbulent week, President Joe Biden kept a low profile but he is expected to sign the measure into law. 

It was confirmed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, “There will be no government shutdown”. Johnson was under hot water not only because of the GOP colleagues opposition but of Trump’s pressure on him as well. Many Republicans were trying to push down the federal spending and debt but Trumps demand to increase the debt ceiling was challenging. It was Johnson’s third attempt at passing a funding plan; to tackle these conflicts of interest was not an easy task while trying not to let the government shutdown. White House, House, and Senate will be controlled by Republicans by next year. However, essential government funding relies on Democrats which makes Republicans dependent on them. Until March 14 the government is funded by the new bill with the addition of disaster aid, and agricultural assistance. It does not entertain the request of Trump’s debt ceiling increase and it will be debated later. 

In comparison to original bipartisan agreement, the new bill is much smaller which had 1500 pages. Broad bipartisan support was seen for the bill that included pay raises for the lawmakers and other measures but Trump and Musk demanded a new start rejecting the bill. Johnson’s abandonment of the original compromise left the House Democrats unhappy with the new bill. Shots of Trump and Republicans were being called out by Musk were suggested by Rep. Rosa DeLauro. She also questioned who really was in charge. Despite this, Democrats’ votes for the bill were in a large number. Conservative Republicans who voted against it were around three dozen. Democrats were praised for the prevention of American working class from getting hurt and to cease the decision of shutting down of the government by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. 

Congress in feeling the presence of Trump even before him officially joining the office. He is bonding with Elon Musk who is already leading the new Department of Government Efficiency for shaping the policies from his Mar-a-Lago base. Slashing the federal budget, reducing the workforce, and pushing for a major tax package are included in Trump’s administration’s big plans. He is planning to bring his plans to life with the support of Republicans. During Trump’s first term, he imposed the longest shutdown in US history and he is not hesitant about the government shutdowns which gives him an edge in negotiations with lawmakers. During President-elect Trump’s time in office, he does not want any conflicts including the government shutdown and debt ceiling talks. Johnson gets in a tough spot as Trump is pushing for a 5-year debt limit increase. Millions of workers are left unpaid during the holidays during the shutdown. Leaders are looking for the solution not knowing what is coming next their way.