U.S.(Washington Insider Magazine) – The United States faces an imminent government shutdown after the House of Representatives rejected a Donald Trump-backed funding bill on Thursday night. The bill, which aimed to extend government spending until March 14 and provide billions in disaster aid, failed in a 174-235 vote, intensifying pressure on Congress to strike a last-minute deal before Friday’s deadline.
Trump and Musk Influence GOP Vote
The bill’s failure follows strong opposition from Trump and Elon Musk, who criticized the legislation for not addressing the debt ceiling. Trump took to Truth Social, insisting that Congress must either eliminate or extend the debt ceiling until 2029. “Without this, we should never make a deal,” he wrote.
Speaker Mike Johnson vowed to present a new solution, stating, “We will regroup and come up with another plan.” However, his leadership is now under scrutiny, with far-right members questioning his position.
Impact of a Government Shutdown
If Congress fails to pass new funding legislation, the shutdown will halt federal programs, delay worker pay—including military salaries—and disrupt essential services.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the failed bill, calling it a “MAGA Republican-led disaster,” while Trump shifted the blame to President Joe Biden, stating, “If we don’t get the debt ceiling fixed, this will be a Biden shutdown.”
With just hours left before the shutdown deadline, all eyes are on Congress to find a resolution and prevent a major government crisis.
