US government official announcements and news reports

House Rejects Trump-Backed Spending Bill as 38 Republicans Vote No, Shutdown Looms

Dec 20, 2024, 12:26 AM

On Thursday night, the US House of Representatives failed to pass a Trump-backed Continuing Resolution intended to avert a government shutdown, as 38 Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the measure. The bill, which included provisions to fund federal operations and suspend the debt ceiling, required a two-thirds majority for passage but fell short with a vote of 174-235-1. The rejection leaves Congress with no clear plan to avoid a government shutdown that could begin as soon as Saturday and potentially disrupt Christmas travel. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who introduced the bill following President-elect Donald Trump's demands, faces uncertainty as the funding deadline rapidly approaches.