Speaker Mike Johnson “is f---ed,” one Republican lawmaker told the Beast earlier on Thursday.
Summary
A potential U.S. government shutdown looms after 38 House Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting a Trump-backed spending bill, which included a debt ceiling increase.
Trump derailed Speaker Mike Johnson’s initial bipartisan plan, causing GOP infighting and weakening Johnson’s leadership.
MAGA allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy rallied for a shutdown, angering GOP moderates.
The failure could furlough federal workers and disrupt holiday travel.
Frustration grows within the GOP over chaotic negotiations, foreshadowing future challenges under Trump’s second-term agenda.
Washington Post: “One major reason 38 Republicans opposed the bill is because of the last-minute insertion to lift the debt limit. It’s a congressional requirement that is usually necessary every couple of years, but one that no Republican likes to do and many refuse to vote for.”
“Trump had been asking Johnson to lift the debt ceiling before he takes office, two House GOP sources familiar with the request said. But one of the sources said Johnson had been reluctant because he said he doesn’t have the votes.”
because of the last-minute insertion to lift the debt limit
Last minute? Wasn't that the whole intent?
*Now that I'm taking the article:
Trump threw Johnson a surprise curveball by demanding lawmakers increase the U.S. debt ceiling—an issue that previously had nothing to do with negotiations to avoid a government shutdown.
A limit increase is different from lifting the limit. The wording is admittedly quite similar, but lifting means removing completely. So this whole song and dance never happens again.
Indeed; the debt limit forces Congress to show up for work and make decisions, including ones that aren’t politically expedient. If it is permanently lifted, the executive suddenly has an unlimited checking account, with limited accountability. Having that limit is what keeps congress in control of what gets done.
I don't think having that limit realistically affects much other than government employees having to work unpaid for a while, but it is an area I feel like a compelling case could be made either way.
I'm only stating what the facts are. Often as it relates to law "lift" has an alternative meaning of to remove. Sometimes you see it with "lifting a ban" or "lifting restrictions".
Trump threw Johnson a surprise curveball by demanding lawmakers increase the U.S. debt ceiling—an issue that previously had nothing to do with negotiations to avoid a government shutdown.