A spending bill to avoid a government shutdown which was backed by Donald Trump failed in Congress on Thursday as Republicans revolt.
The vote was 174-235, with 38 Republicans voting against the bill. The measure requires two-thirds majority to pass because Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) fast-tracked the legislation by bypassing the House Rules Committee.
Before the vote Trump urged Republicans to support the bill.
“Speaker Mike Johnson and the House have come to a very good Deal for the American People,” he wrote on Truth Social. “The newly agreed to American Relief Act of 2024 will keep the Government open, fund our Great Farmers and others, and provide relief for those severely impacted by the devastating hurricanes.”
Earlier this week, lawmakers had reached a bipartisan plan to fund the government through March 14, 2025 and prevent a shutdown days before Christmas. But Elon Musk and Trump intervened and urged Republicans to kill the bill.
Without a deal the government will shut down on Friday.
