Early legislative test for Trump sees plan B spending bill tank in House
House Republicans faced a major setback on Thursday as they failed to secure the majority votes needed on a spending bill to avert a government shutdown by the end of the week. This defeat handed a decisive loss to President-elect Trump in an early test of his ability to unite Republicans in the chamber.
The bill, which needed a two-thirds majority to fast-track it, failed by a vote of 235-174, with 38 Republicans voting against it. Among these Republicans was Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who vehemently opposed the legislation on the House floor. Roy criticized the bill for allowing $5 trillion to be added to the national debt, going against the GOP’s principle of fiscal responsibility. He accused Republicans who supported the measure of lacking self-respect.
The failure of the bill not only highlighted the divisions within the Republican Party but also posed challenges for Trump in rallying support for his agenda. The proposed bill included a higher debt ceiling, which faced opposition from Democrats and fiscal conservatives within the GOP. With a staggering $36 trillion in debt and a $1.8 trillion deficit projected for 2024, some conservatives were against a continuing resolution that would keep spending at 2024 levels.
The opposition from both sides put pressure on Democrats, who had already expressed their intent to vote against the bill. Ahead of the vote, Democrats led chants of “hell no,” signaling their displeasure over the legislative process. Following the bill’s failure, House Speaker Mike Johnson immediately began discussions with Republicans who had voted against the bill, in an attempt to shore up support for another vote on Friday.
Johnson expressed disappointment at the Democrats’ stance, highlighting their refusal to support aid for farmers, ranchers, and disaster relief. He pointed out that the only difference in the new legislation was pushing the debt ceiling to January 2027. Johnson reminded everyone of the Democrats’ criticism of Republicans for holding the debt ceiling hostage just last spring.
The failed vote on the spending bill underscored the challenges faced by both parties in navigating the complex issues of government funding and fiscal responsibility. As lawmakers regroup and strategize for another vote, the outcome remains uncertain, with the specter of a government shutdown looming. It is clear that both parties will need to find common ground and work together to address the pressing issues facing the nation.
