A Republican spending bill supported by President-elect Donald Trump failed in the US House of Representatives on Thursday, heightening the risk of a government shutdown that could disrupt holiday travel.
The bill, rejected by a 174-235 vote, was a Republican response after Trump and Elon Musk criticized an earlier bipartisan deal. With government funding set to expire at midnight Friday, a shutdown looms that could halt border enforcement, close national parks, and suspend pay for over 2 million federal workers. Travelers might also face long airport lines, warned the US Transportation Security Administration.
The proposed bill sought to extend government funding through March, provide $100 billion in disaster relief, and suspend the national debt limit for two years to facilitate Trump&rsquo;s tax cuts. However, contentious elements like lawmaker pay raises were excluded.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson advocated for the package, calling it a way to "avoid disruption" and set the stage for significant spending cuts next year. Meanwhile, Democratic President Joe Biden opposed the measure, making Senate approval unlikely even if it had passed the House.
Trump urged lawmakers to approve the bill, aiming to remove debt ceiling negotiations from his upcoming term. Such standoffs have previously shaken markets, with potential global credit shocks from a US default.
The rejected package highlighted GOP divisions, threatening Johnson&rsquo;s position as speaker, a role he assumed after Kevin McCarthy&rsquo;s ouster over similar funding disputes.
As the Friday deadline looms, the potential shutdown recalls the 2018-2019 closure under Trump&rsquo;s first term, underscoring enduring partisan conflicts over government spending and debt.

US House rejects GOP-backed spending bill; shutdown looms, threatening holiday travel plans

US Spending Bill Defeat Fuels Shutdown Fears

US House rejects GOP-backed spending bill; shutdown looms, threatening holiday travel plans

December 20, 2024 | 16:34 IST