As a midnight deadline looms, House Republican leaders are racing against the clock to find a solution to avert a government shutdown that could leave millions of federal workers—including U.S. troops, border patrol agents, and air traffic controllers—working without pay through the holidays.
Just days ago, a bipartisan agreement appeared to be in place to keep the government funded, but that deal was derailed late Thursday by President-elect Donald Trump and his close ally, billionaire Elon Musk. The two figures demanded an extension or removal of the debt limit, seeking to make way for Trump’s fiscal agenda next year. Their last-minute intervention caused the proposed plan to collapse, setting off a chain reaction of uncertainty and political infighting.
The original bipartisan deal, which had been crafted by House and Senate leaders, would have kept the government open through the new year while also providing disaster relief and funding for various critical programs. However, Trump and Musk’s intervention disrupted the agreement, forcing Republicans to scramble for alternatives.
Plan C Emerges as Republicans Push for Alternative Solutions
In response, embattled Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., is now pushing forward with a backup plan, commonly referred to as “Plan C.” This plan aims to break the larger funding package into three parts: government funding through March 14, disaster aid, and a farm bill extension. According to sources close to the plan, lawmakers would vote on each component individually, rather than as a single, comprehensive package.
Notably, the new plan will exclude any vote on extending the debt limit, a move that had been a major sticking point for many Republicans who opposed such an extension. Representative Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a vocal critic of Johnson’s leadership, was reportedly one of the key figures suggesting the multi-pronged approach earlier this week.
However, even this new plan faces significant hurdles. There is no guarantee it will pass the House, and it must still clear the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. Additionally, President Joe Biden must sign any legislation into law. With time running out, the potential for a shutdown over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays grows increasingly likely.
Democrats Push Back Against Trump’s Influence
As Republicans struggle to unite behind a solution, Democrats have made their opposition clear, particularly against the role of Trump and Musk in derailing the initial bipartisan deal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., emphasized the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation, but stopped short of committing to the new Republican plan. He noted that the lines of communication between parties had reopened, but the path forward remains uncertain.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It’s time to go back to the original agreement we had just a few days ago,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Friday. Schumer, who has repeatedly called for a return to the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR), argued that it was the quickest and most effective way to keep the government open and deliver critical aid to the American people.
Senate Democrats also expressed frustration at the influence of private interests, with some viewing Musk as an unelected billionaire pulling the strings behind the scenes. “We should not let an unelected billionaire rip away research for pediatric cancer so he can get a tax cut,” Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a statement. “I’m ready to stay here through Christmas because we’re not going to let Elon Musk run the government.”
A Government Shutdown Looms as Key Votes Approach
The pressure is now on Johnson, who faces a critical challenge in balancing the demands of his party with those of the Democrats. If he fails to secure bipartisan support, it could have dire consequences for his tenure as Speaker. Johnson, who was elected to his position just two months ago, faces a leadership vote in early January, and his ability to navigate the current crisis could determine whether he retains his role.
“This is a defining moment for his career as speaker,” said Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., a critic of Johnson. “What he does and how he handles this, how he handles our conference… will define who he is, if he is a serious leader, and if he’s going to survive this leadership vote.”
As Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse, time is quickly running out to prevent a government shutdown. The Senate, known for its slow-moving processes, could take days to debate and vote on any funding package passed by the House, further complicating the situation.
With the deadline fast approaching, federal workers, including those in essential roles like law enforcement and military service, face the looming threat of unpaid work. Meanwhile, political leaders on both sides of the aisle brace for the potential fallout of a shutdown during the holiday season—a scenario that could further sour public opinion and damage the economy.
ADVERTISEMENT
A Crisis on the Brink of the Holidays
As Washington enters the final hours of negotiations, the possibility of a government shutdown grows more imminent. While Republicans search for a way out of the crisis, the opposition from Democrats—bolstered by their concerns over Trump and Musk’s influence—adds to the uncertainty. With just hours remaining before the deadline, the nation waits to see if Congress can find common ground and avert a shutdown, or if the government will grind to a halt during the busiest time of the year.
