US House Rejects Trump-Backed Plan on Government Shutdown; Musk Warns 'America Headed for Disaster'
Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives on Thursday evening rejected a plan backed by President-elect Donald Trump to fund federal operations and suspend the debt ceiling, as Democrats refused to accommodate his sudden demands and the quick fix cobbled together by Republican leaders.
The hasty vote, held just hours before a potential government shutdown, failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed for passage due to overwhelming opposition from Democrats. The chamber erupted in angry outbursts as lawmakers expressed frustration over the self-inflicted crisis.
Trump's Proposal
Earlier in the day, Trump had taken the unusual step of unveiling a new plan that would have funded the government through February 16 and raised the debt ceiling by $20 trillion. The proposal came as a surprise, as it contradicted the hardline stance taken by congressional Republicans until that point.
Democrats immediately rejected the plan, calling it a "non-starter" that failed to address their concerns about healthcare and other priorities. They accused Republicans of playing political games and jeopardizing the nation's economy.
Republican Dilemma
Republican leaders faced a dilemma, with moderate members of their caucus pushing for a compromise to avert a shutdown while hardline conservatives demanded concessions from Democrats. In a last-ditch effort, House Speaker Mike Johnson arranged an evening vote on a revised plan that included some Democratic demands, but it was ultimately voted down.
Democrats' Position
Democrats maintained that they would not support any plan that did not extend funding for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. They also wanted guarantees that Republicans would not attempt to dismantle the program or other social programs after Trump takes office.
Musk's Warning
Amidst the political turmoil, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk expressed his concern about the potential consequences of a government shutdown. In a tweet, he warned that "America is headed for disaster" if the issue was not resolved promptly.
Deadline Looming
The House has until midnight on Friday to pass a funding bill or face a partial government shutdown. It remains unclear whether there is enough time for a compromise or if the chamber will be able to avert a crisis that could disrupt essential services and the economy.
🚨 **House Rejects Trump's Funding Plan, Shutdown Looms** 🚨
In a dramatic showdown, the House rejected a plan to fund the government and avoid a shutdown before Friday's deadline. Democrats refused Trump's demands, setting the stage for potential chaos. 🥵 Speaker Johnson remains determined to push for a deal before the clock runs out. Will a solution emerge in time? ⌛️ #GovernmentShutdownDrama
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