President-elect Trump has stirred up controversy once again, this time opposing the proposed Continuing Resolution (CR) bill that aims to prevent a government shutdown through March. In a conversation with “Fox & Friends” co-host Lawrence Jones, Trump made his stance clear, declaring the “fight starts now.”
Trump Takes a Stand
Jones relayed Trump’s message on X, stating that the President-elect is vehemently against the CR bill, emphasizing the need to start the battle immediately instead of waiting until his inauguration. Despite recognizing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s challenging position, Trump firmly believes that the current approach is not the right course of action.
Contentious CR Bill Details
The 1,547-page CR bill, released by congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., has sparked significant opposition from conservatives and House GOP hardliners. Many are unhappy with the policy riders attached to the legislation, preferring a “clean” extension of government funding. The bill contains provisions on health care, ethanol fuel, $100 billion in disaster aid funding, and measures to fund the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Additionally, it includes the first pay raise for lawmakers since 2009.
Expert Opinions and Opposition
Trump’s allies, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, issued a statement criticizing Congressional Republicans for allowing the country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025. They called for a temporary funding bill without Democrat concessions, stressing the importance of setting the country up for success in the future. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, co-chair of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also condemned the CR bill, citing excessive pork-barrel spending.
Political Maneuvering and Impending Deadline
With the GOP holding a slim one-seat majority in the House, Johnson may need Democratic support to pass the bill. The legislation must clear the Senate by the looming Friday deadline to avert a government shutdown. As tensions rise and negotiations continue, the fate of the CR bill hangs in the balance.
In the midst of political turmoil and conflicting interests, the nation watches with bated breath as lawmakers navigate the delicate balance of power and priorities. Will compromise prevail, or will ideological divisions deepen, leading to a potential government shutdown? As the clock ticks down to the deadline, the future of the CR bill remains uncertain, with the fate of the nation’s funding and stability in the balance.