House Democratic leaders on Thursday sharply criticized Republicans for aligning with billionaire Elon Musk’s calls to scrap legislation that funds the federal government.
In response to Musk’s criticism (later echoed by President-elect Donald Trump), Republicans withdrew A continuing resolution with bipartisan support. In addition to supporting ongoing government operations, the bill also includes disaster relief for thousands of Americans affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters in recent months.
If the House does not introduce a temporary spending bill by Friday, it could trigger a partial government shutdown.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said at a press conference that “bipartisan agreement is necessary because House Republicans ordered a government shutdown, harming the very working-class Americans many of them pretend to want to help.” has now exploded.”
Musk led an uprising against the bill. failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Both men are part of a group of billionaires who make up Trump’s upper echelon of advisers. The two were appointed to head the unofficial Ministry of Government Efficiency. Reduce government spending by $2 trillion.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark criticized Republicans for how their actions will impact middle-class families and business owners.
“The really hard part is you’re already struggling to pay your bills and then you thought it was coming because Elon Musk and Donald Trump decided to inject this chaos and hardship into small businesses. “Suddenly the aid for small businesses stops coming. It’s life,” Clark said.
Hardline Republicans oppose the bill showed In return for the budget, the party said it could withhold support from Speaker Mike Johnson in the leadership election scheduled for January when Parliament reconvenes. Despite the Republicans’ success in recent elections, their majority in the House of Representatives is very small.
jeffries asked What if Democrats could support Johnson in the upcoming speaker race in exchange for including some Democratic priorities in the next funding bill? His answer was simple: “No.”
While Democrats condemn Musk and Trump’s destructive actions, members of the Republican caucus have expressed support for the South African billionaire and figurehead of the turmoil.
In an interview with Fox Business, Kentucky Representative Andy Barr was asked whether Musk is exerting undue influence in Congress because of his unelected status.
“No, I don’t think so. I think this is exactly what the American people voted for,” he replied.
Musk reportedly spent At least $250 million It was to support Trump in the election, and now Congressional Republicans are doing what he asked. Democratic leaders are now indicating they are not on board with the Musk-Republican alliance.
