Trump, Musk Drive Congressional Approval of Streamlined Funding Bill
In the original form, the bill spanned over 1,500 pages but was condensed to just 118 pages after significant pushback from Trump and Musk. This dramatic reduction came as lawmakers aimed to prevent a government shutdown. The smaller bill passed the Senate at 12:37 a.m. on Saturday, just over half an hour past midnight, followed by a landslide approval in the House with a vote of 366-34. The Senate approved it with an 85-11 vote.
Key Provisions Stripped in Budget Compromise
Several costly and contentious provisions were removed during the revision process. This included a proposed 4% pay raise for Congress members and the reauthorization of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center. Policy measures like tackling AI-generated non-consensual pornography and the transfer of Robert F. Kennedy Stadium’s ownership were also excluded.
Despite the cuts, the bill secures the government's operational funding at current levels until March 14, 2025, while allocating substantial funds for hurricane relief and agricultural support. This includes $100 billion designated for hurricane recovery efforts and $10 billion aimed at aiding farmers.
Trump's Influence on Budget Priorities
Although Trump’s request to abolish the debt ceiling was not met, the bill reflects a significant shift toward Republican fiscal priorities under his upcoming term. A side agreement also promises future fiscal restraint, with plans to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion and cut $2.5 trillion in spending in the next Congress session.
The legislation extends over $25 million for enhanced security measures for the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Supreme Court, in addition to $3 million earmarked for improving molasses inspection methods at the Department of Agriculture.
Bipartisan Leadership Hails Legislative Success
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the bill's passage as a pivotal moment that sets the stage for a major policy shift with the upcoming Republican majority. "This is America's first legislation because it allows us to be set up to deliver for the American people. In January, we will make a sea change in Washington," Johnson stated.
Elon Musk also commented on the bill's transformation, noting the significant reduction in its size from the initial proposal. "The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances. It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces. Ball should now be in the Dem court," Musk remarked.
Trump's Vision for Fiscal Reform
In a statement to NBC News, Trump emphasized his readiness to lead efforts against the debt ceiling if Democrats wish to address it. "The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge. It doesn’t mean anything, except psychologically," Trump explained.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump further advocated for strategic negotiations concerning the debt ceiling, suggesting an extension to perhaps 2029 to alleviate fiscal pressures. "Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling. Without this, we should never make a deal. Remember, the pressure is on whoever is President," he posted.
Democratic Responses to Funding Changes
Thomas Massie highlighted the bipartisan efforts behind the scenes. "Johnson flipped his decision after the meeting when he spoke to [Hakeem Jeffries] and realized he could get Democrat votes to pass all the legislation as one bill," Massie noted on X.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also took to X to express her views on the need for broader legislative reforms, specifically targeting campaign finance. "How about the House add campaign finance reform to the CR so Republicans and Democrats alike can stop being so scared about what a billionaire man-child thinks before they vote on anything around here," she commented.
An aide to a senior congressional Democrat provided insight into the tactical decisions faced by GOP leaders, suggesting that the fear of public backlash played a role in the negotiations. "I think he just knew that people would blame him and the GOP -- but he was juggling all that with wanting to keep the gavel while being hit with asteroids launched by Elon Musk," the aide explained.
President Biden has committed to signing the bill promptly, ensuring that no shutdown interrupts government functions as the transition to a new administration approaches.
