In a significant development, the U.S. Congress reached a last-minute deal on December 21, 2024, to prevent a government shutdown, extending funding until March 14, 2025. The Senate voted 85-11 in favor of the legislation, which includes over $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion for farmers. This decisive action followed a previous House vote of 366-to-34, indicating strong bipartisan support despite ongoing political tensions within the Republican Party. House Speaker Mike Johnson played a key role in negotiations, emphasizing the need for operational continuity for federal agencies. The bill, known as the 'Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024,' also includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, $21 billion in disaster assistance, and authorizes year-round sales of E15 gasoline [95458605].
The legislation also includes full funding for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland and extends telehealth flexibilities in Medicare for three months. However, notable omissions from the agreement include the exclusion of a debt ceiling extension, despite the current debt standing at $36.2 trillion, and reforms for pharmacy benefit managers. Additionally, while the bill provides funding for pediatric cancer research, it does not address food stamp theft reimbursement [b0ed2bdd].
Notably, the vote saw participation from Native American representatives in Congress. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the only Native American senator, voted against the bill, criticizing Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for not bringing appropriations bills to the floor. In contrast, House members Tom Cole (R-OK), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) voted in favor, with Cole emphasizing the importance of the Continuing Resolution (CR) in allowing President Trump to influence future fiscal year bills. Meanwhile, Josh Brecheen (R-OK) voted no, reflecting the diverse opinions among Native American legislators on this critical issue. The potential shutdown would have impacted over three million Americans, including active duty service members, and could have cost the economy billions [95458605].
However, the deal leaves a significant mess for President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Party as they face upcoming legislative challenges. Trump failed to convince Congress to address the debt ceiling, with 170 House Republicans voting against his wishes. Senator Ron Johnson criticized the short-term funding extension, calling it a mistake, while Rep. Andy Barr emphasized the need for GOP unity and early communication to navigate future challenges. The chaos of the week foreshadows potential turbulence within the Republican Party, with Rep. Gerry Connolly warning of instability and chaos ahead.
The contentious issue of raising the debt limit has been deferred to a future budget reconciliation bill, reflecting the complexities of current fiscal policies. The funding crisis has highlighted a power vacuum within the GOP since they regained control in January 2023. The political landscape has been further complicated by the influence of figures like Elon Musk, who has raised concerns about his role in the legislative process. Just days prior to the vote, Musk threatened Republican lawmakers over a bipartisan resolution, prompting Trump to demand changes that ultimately led to a rejected proposal by Democrats. The final bill passed with significant support from both parties, with 196 Democrats and 170 Republicans voting in favor. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law the same day, ensuring continued government operations through early 2025. As the new year approaches, the chaos surrounding Musk's influence and Trump's demands is anticipated to persist, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in U.S. politics today.