The eleventh-hour move paid off as Congress managed to avoid a shutdown just 30 minutes past the Friday midnight deadline. The bill successfully passed with a vote of 366 to 34 in the House and 85 to 11 in the Senate. However, this reprieve is only temporary, postponing decisions and likely paving the way for more conflict when the new Congress, with narrow Republican majorities, convenes.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed anticipation for the upcoming changes in Washington, with Republicans poised to take control of the White House in January. He emphasized that a significant shift is on the horizon. Johnson commended the collective effort that led to the positive outcome, setting the stage for a fresh start in the new year.
These developments followed a tumultuous period in Washington, with the shadow of the 2026 and 2028 election cycles lingering beneath the surface. Accusations flew between parties, with the White House press secretary attributing the breakdown to Speaker Johnson, while GOP representatives pointed fingers at Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The intense political maneuvering marked a departure from the post-election tranquility that had settled after Trump’s victory. Amid the turmoil, Trump urged action on the debt ceiling under the Biden administration and hinted at a government shutdown to fulfill his demands.
Overall, the events underscored the ongoing political tensions in Washington, setting the stage for further debates and negotiations in the days ahead.
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C., lawmakers in Congress collaborated to create a bipartisan spending deal that encompassed the Biden administration’s request for significant disaster assistance in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. However, the agreement fell apart on Wednesday when Musk and Trump exerted public pressure on lawmakers via posts on a social media platform, urging them to independently draft a bill that omitted compromise elements. Trump advocated for the spending bill to raise the debt ceiling and attach deficit spending limits to the Biden administration, a move that fiscal conservatives in the House, along with Democrats, opposed, ultimately leading to the rejection of the revised legislation.
Throughout the negotiations, President Biden remained uninvolved, maintaining a public silence as per his usual approach. During a session in the House of Representatives, Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries stood beside an easel displaying a bold red and black poster that labeled it the “#REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN.” Jeffries expressed disappointment that the initial deal, which was negotiated in good faith by Democrats, aimed to provide essential aid to communities in need, including farmers, families, children, seniors, workers, veterans, and military members. He criticized the influence of “puppet masters,” accusing extreme MAGA Republicans of prioritizing the wealthy elite over the American people.
Jeffries condemned the GOP bill, which aimed to suspend the debt ceiling for two years, characterizing it as a tax cut benefiting the rich and an attempt to force a government shutdown unless their demands were met. He emphasized the lack of fiscal responsibility displayed by the Republican Party, denouncing their actions as hypocritical and self-serving.
In a passionate speech on the House floor, Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz urged his Republican colleagues to come to a consensus and pass a bill with their majority, highlighting the gridlock caused by internal disagreements. He emphasized the Democrats’ commitment to keeping the government operational for the American people and offered to mediate discussions between opposing factions to reach a resolution.
Following a closed-door meeting between Democrats and Johnson’s team, Representative Luna expressed frustration at the exclusion of rank-and-file Republicans from the negotiation process, signaling a shift in approach. She emphasized a refusal to be held hostage by partisan tactics and reiterated the Democrats’ readiness to engage in constructive dialogue to address critical issues.
The White House also weighed in on the developments, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation and responsible governance to ensure the well-being of the country.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused Republicans on Friday of sabotaging the original compromise deal at the urging of Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. She asserted that Republicans were attempting to shift the blame onto President Joe Biden and his outgoing administration for government dysfunction. “They need to fix it. It is their mess to fix,” Jean-Pierre stated concerning the Republicans’ role in the situation.
While President Biden did not publicly address the potential government shutdown, his spokeswoman confirmed that he had conversations with Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer. She emphasized that Biden had previously taken a hands-off approach to negotiations on Capitol Hill but was now prepared to assist in achieving a bipartisan agreement through Congress. “This is something that Republicans should take responsibility for,” Jean-Pierre emphasized.
The White House Press Secretary held a press briefing on December 20, 2024, in Washington, D.C., where she highlighted the influence of President-elect statements and remarks made by Elon Musk in the decisions made by Congressional Republicans.
Employees of the federal government who would have faced paycheck delays in the event of a shutdown were notified on Friday about the impending threat. Despite the uncertainty, the White House reassured that there was still time to reach a resolution. In the event of a shutdown, nonessential federal workers would have been prohibited from working and would not receive their pay until the situation was resolved. However, essential employees and military personnel would have been required to work without pay temporarily, with eventual compensation guaranteed.
The potential shutdown, which was ultimately averted, would have marked the first under President Biden’s administration. The longest government shutdown in U.S. history, lasting 35 days, occurred during former President Trump’s first term and spanned over the holiday season.
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon warned earlier in the week, as the possibility of a shutdown loomed, that both political parties would likely face public scrutiny. “I think it’s going to blow back on all of us to a degree,” Bacon commented regarding the potential fallout. He further added that there was ample blame to be shared among all parties involved.
The avoidance of a shutdown was a relief for many, as it prevented disruptions to government services and potential financial hardships for federal workers. The intricate negotiations and political posturing underscored the challenges of achieving consensus in a politically divided landscape.
Contributing to this report were Riley Beggin and Zac Anderson. This article was originally published on USA TODAY, highlighting the complex dynamics of blame-shifting and negotiations within Congress as the specter of a government shutdown loomed.
