WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a race against time to prevent a midnight government shutdown as he attempts to navigate demands from President-elect Donald Trump and his own party’s divisions. Johnson proposed a temporary funding measure that would keep the government running through March, allocating $100 billion in disaster relief and $10 billion for agricultural aid. However, it excludes Trump’s demand for a five-year debt ceiling increase, which he insists is a dealbreaker.
“We will not have a government shutdown,” Johnson vowed Friday, though skepticism remains high.
Trump, who has not yet taken office, has been vocal in his opposition, urging Republicans to “let the closures start now” if his conditions aren’t met. Known for prioritizing budget cuts and smaller government, Trump has doubled down on his demand to extend the federal debt limit to 2029, warning Congress against leaving it unresolved.
Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts to strike a deal have faltered. A 1,500-page compromise crafted by Johnson and House Democrats earlier this week collapsed after opposition from hardline Republicans and Trump’s intervention. A subsequent 116-page GOP alternative—endorsed by Trump—also failed to garner sufficient support.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and members of the Freedom Caucus were seen at the Capitol Friday, further underscoring the divisions within the Republican Party. Simultaneously, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries maintained communication with Johnson to explore solutions.
Impact of a Shutdown
Federal workers, including military personnel, face the possibility of entering the holiday season without paychecks. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for a return to the bipartisan deal, labeling it “the quickest, simplest, and easiest way” to keep the government open.
Outgoing President Joe Biden, who has taken a quieter role in the negotiations, criticized the GOP’s inability to coalesce around a plan. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre placed the onus squarely on Republicans, saying, “They blew up this deal. They need to fix it.”
As the clock ticks, the pressure on Speaker Johnson continues to mount—not only to prevent a government shutdown but also to maintain support from his razor-thin GOP majority ahead of the speaker’s vote on Jan. 3.
What’s Next
With talks ongoing, the possibility of a shutdown remains high. A government closure would affect millions of Americans and deliver a significant blow to the economy. As Trump and his allies push for their vision of fiscal policy, the question remains: can Johnson unite Congress in time to avoid disaster?
