President-elect Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction after the U.S. House of Representatives approved a spending plan that did not address his demand to extend or repeal the debt ceiling.
The bill, passed on Friday night, came just hours before a potential government shutdown. Despite Trump’s objections, the legislation was enacted by the Senate with overwhelming support.
What Happened?
The House of Representatives passed a short-term funding bill that provides three months of funding for government operations. The bill received strong bipartisan support, with a vote count of 366-34.
This included 196 votes from Democrats and 170 from Republicans, while all 34 opposing votes came from Republican lawmakers.
The Senate later approved the bill with an 85-11 vote. However, the legislation did not include any provisions related to the debt ceiling, which limits how much the federal government can borrow.
Trump’s Objections
President-elect Trump strongly opposed the exclusion of his request to either raise or eliminate the debt ceiling.
This issue has often been used by congressional Republicans as a bargaining chip against Democratic administrations. Trump voiced his frustration in an interview with Fox News Digital, saying:
“Anybody that supports a bill that doesn’t take care of the Democrat quicksand known as the debt ceiling should be primaried and disposed of as quickly as possible.”
Reports suggest that Trump was “not happy” about the situation. According to Burgess Everett, Semafor’s congressional bureau chief, a source close to Trump revealed that he was irritated by the bill’s lack of debt ceiling provisions.
Key Players and Reactions
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had previously vetoed an earlier version of the bill after Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk criticized it.
Trump’s abrupt request to address the debt ceiling came in the days leading up to the vote.
Democratic legislators, meanwhile, signaled their openness to abolishing the debt ceiling altogether. Historically, this provision has been a source of partisan contention, with Republicans using it as leverage in budget negotiations.
Senate Approval and Next Steps
Despite Trump’s displeasure, the Senate moved forward with the bill. The spending plan ensures the government will remain funded for the next three months, avoiding a shutdown.
As of now, President-elect Trump has not issued any public statements about the bill’s passage.
FAQs
1. What is the debt ceiling?
The debt ceiling is a limit on the amount of money the federal government can borrow to pay its obligations, such as Social Security, military salaries, and other expenses.
2. Why was Trump upset about the bill?
Trump was unhappy because the spending plan did not address his demand to extend or repeal the debt ceiling.
3. How did the House vote on the bill?
The bill passed the House with a 366-34 vote, receiving bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans.
4. What happens next after the Senate’s approval?
The bill provides three months of funding for government operations, ensuring no immediate shutdown. Discussions on the debt ceiling may continue.
5. What is the significance of this legislation?
The bill temporarily prevents a government shutdown but leaves unresolved debates on the debt ceiling, a contentious political issue.
