House Fails to Pass Trump-Backed Funding Bill; 38 Republicans Block Measure as Shutdown Looms

Dec 19, 2024, 11:58 PM

On December 19, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a Trump-backed stopgap funding bill intended to avert a government shutdown set to begin at midnight. The bill, known as the Continuing Resolution (CR) or the 'American Relief Act,' required a two-thirds majority to pass but fell short with a vote of 174-235-1. Notably, 38 Republicans voted against the measure, despite support from former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Only two Democrats voted in favor of the bill. The legislation aimed to temporarily fund the federal government and suspend the debt ceiling, extending funding to March 2025. The failure to pass the bill leaves Congress without a clear plan to prevent the impending shutdown.