Summary

A potential U.S. government shutdown looms after 38 House Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting a Trump-backed spending bill, which included a debt ceiling increase.

Trump derailed Speaker Mike Johnson’s initial bipartisan plan, causing GOP infighting and weakening Johnson’s leadership.

MAGA allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy rallied for a shutdown, angering GOP moderates.

The failure could furlough federal workers and disrupt holiday travel.

Frustration grows within the GOP over chaotic negotiations, foreshadowing future challenges under Trump’s second-term agenda.

  • BarqsHasBite@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    because of the last-minute insertion to lift the debt limit

    Last minute? Wasn’t that the whole intent?

    *Now that I’m reading the article:

    Trump threw Johnson a surprise curveball by demanding lawmakers increase the U.S. debt ceiling—an issue that previously had nothing to do with negotiations to avoid a government shutdown.

        • Rapidcreek@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          The debt ceiling does not need to be increased to fund the government at this time. This was a Trump demand to suspend the debt limit 2 years.

    • MountingSuspicion@reddthat.com
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      3 days ago

      A limit increase is different from lifting the limit. The wording is admittedly quite similar, but lifting means removing completely. So this whole song and dance never happens again.

      • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
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        3 days ago

        Indeed; the debt limit forces Congress to show up for work and make decisions, including ones that aren’t politically expedient. If it is permanently lifted, the executive suddenly has an unlimited checking account, with limited accountability. Having that limit is what keeps congress in control of what gets done.

        • MountingSuspicion@reddthat.com
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          3 days ago

          I don’t think having that limit realistically affects much other than government employees having to work unpaid for a while, but it is an area I feel like a compelling case could be made either way.