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Speaker Johnson Eyes 'Clean' Bill to Avert Shutdown, Fund Government Until March 14

Dec 18, 2024, 08:32 PM

House Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly in discussions to abandon the current government spending plan in favor of a 'clean' continuing resolution (CR), according to Politico. This potential shift comes amidst criticism from various quarters, including incoming President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who have voiced their opposition to the original spending package. The current plan, a 1,547-page bill, has been criticized for including numerous unrelated provisions and excessive spending, such as $100 billion in disaster relief, $30 billion in economic assistance for farmers, and a pay raise for Congress members. The proposed 'clean' bill aims to fund the government through March 14 without these additional elements, potentially averting a government shutdown as the deadline approaches.