House Rejects Trump-Endorsed Spending Deal in Initial Vote

The GOP-controlled House delivered a blow to a Trump-endorsed spending deal on Thursday evening, rejecting the measure in its first round of voting. The bill, intended to prevent a government shutdown by week’s end, faced resistance from both sides of the aisle, leaving its future uncertain as the deadline looms.

Out of the votes cast, 172 Republicans and two Democrats supported the legislation. However, 38 Republicans broke ranks, aligning with the majority of Democrats to block the bill under the suspension of rules, which required a two-thirds majority. The defeat has left Congress scrambling to find a resolution before the government’s funding runs dry.

Key sticking points include:

• A two-year extension of the debt ceiling suspension, pushing the next deadline to January 2027.

• A pared-down package that omits controversial provisions such as lawmaker pay raises and reauthorization of certain federal programs.

Despite the setback, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) assured the public that negotiations are ongoing, stating the measure isn’t “dead.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also defended the legislation, emphasizing its importance in maintaining essential government functions while reiterating the GOP’s commitment to future spending cuts.

The revamped proposal slashed the initial 1,547-page stopgap measure to 116 pages, removing several provisions criticized by conservatives. Highlights of the new plan include:

• A three-month continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded temporarily.

• A $110 billion disaster relief package.

• A clean extension of health programs without pharmacy benefit manager reforms.

• Suspension of the debt ceiling until 2027.

• The exclusion of controversial E15 ethanol provisions and other debated elements.

President Trump, who celebrated the updated bill, urged Republican lawmakers to rally behind it. “This is a step toward making America great again, quickly and effectively,” he said, invoking the broader GOP agenda for 2024 and beyond.

The primary objection among GOP holdouts stems from the extension of the debt ceiling, which they argue lacks sufficient fiscal restraint. Some also expressed frustration over the inclusion of unrelated funding measures, such as rebuilding Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge and a farm bill package.

Elon Musk, recently appointed to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), echoed Trump’s earlier criticisms of the bill’s predecessor, dubbed the “cramnibus.” Musk and Trump had jointly condemned it for including what they called wasteful expenditures.

Democrats seized the moment to criticize Republican infighting. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused the GOP of catering to billionaires at the expense of everyday Americans, further escalating tensions.

As the shutdown deadline approaches, lawmakers are under mounting pressure to find common ground. Whether this spending deal can be salvaged or replaced with an alternative remains to be seen.

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