House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a difficult task in trying to meet President-elect Donald Trump’s sudden demands to avoid a government shutdown. Trump wants an increase in the debt limit included in the funding bill, a request that has put Johnson in a bind. Trump warned that anyone who does not support this bill should be replaced.
The chaotic situation in Washington has brought back memories of past government shutdowns during the Christmas season under Trump’s leadership. Johnson, who is also fighting for his job, is working hard to come up with a new deal to avoid a shutdown. However, adding an increase in the debt ceiling to the package is causing division among Republicans.
The current funding bill is set to expire at midnight on Friday, with a new temporary funding bill being prepared to keep the government running for a few more months. A bipartisan compromise that includes disaster aid for hurricane-hit states was agreed upon but is facing backlash from conservatives, including Elon Musk.
The collapse of bipartisan legislation has left Democrats angry, with Rep. Jim McGovern expressing frustration over the impact a shutdown would have on federal workers and the economy. Republicans are now considering a scaled-back bill to keep the government running, but even that is facing resistance from Trump. The situation remains uncertain as both parties work to find a resolution before the deadline.
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