The United States House of Representatives has rejected a bill supported by Donald Trump, with many Republicans voting against, leaving the US exposed to the risk of incurring a shutdown just before Christmas.
The vote laid bare divisions in Trump’s Republican Party that could resurface next year when they control the White House and both houses of Congress.
Trump had pressured lawmakers to resolve outstanding issues before his inauguration on January 20, but members of the party’s right flank refused to support a package that would increase spending and pave the way for a plan to further increase the federal debt.
The package failed by a vote of 174-235. An earlier bipartisan agreement was canceled after Trump and Elon Musk spoke out against it on Wednesday.
Government funding is due at midnight today. If lawmakers fail to extend the deadline, the U.S. government will begin a partial shutdown that will cut off funding for everything from immigration enforcement to national parks, as well as the salaries of more than 2 million federal workers.
The US Transportation Security Administration has warned that travelers during the holiday season could face long lines at airports.
“Congress must eliminate, or extend through 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling. Without this, we would never have to make a deal,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social hours after the bill failed.
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