Congress Faces Shutdown: Republicans and Democrats at Odds

The U. S. Congress is rushing toward a government shutdown after the House of Representatives, led by Republicans, failed to pass a funding plan backed by President-elect Donald Trump. The plan was opposed by almost all Democrats, who were frustrated and angry after Trump rejected an earlier bipartisan deal. Government funding is set to expire at the end of the day on Friday. The GOP measure included a three-month extension of funding, a two-year suspension of the debt limit, and roughly $110 billion for disaster relief. However, the House voted it down, with 38 Republicans and 2 Democrats voting against it. Democrats argue that the two-year debt limit suspension is a ploy to help Trump pass his tax plan, which they oppose. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told his colleagues, “This bill is designed to set up the GOP tax scam 2. 0. ”Trump's sudden change of mind about the earlier bipartisan plan left Republicans scrambling. He now insists that any deal to prevent a shutdown must also address the debt limit. Vice President-elect JD Vance blamed Democrats for the failed vote, but Republicans also voted against the bill. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Republicans will continue negotiating but aren’t likely to bring the proposal back for a simple majority vote. Meanwhile, hardliner Rep. Chip Roy wants more cuts in any future bill. Democrats are unhappy with House Speaker Mike Johnson, feeling he went back on a deal they had agreed upon. They say they won’t support his new proposal. The last 48 hours have strained the relationship between Johnson and his Democratic counterparts. This story has been updated with additional information.