On March 11, the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives passed a temporary bill to maintain funding for the federal government past the March 14 deadline, preventing the risk of a partial White House shutdown.
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| The temporary bill would ensure the US federal government remains operational through September this year. (Source: ThoughtCo) |
The bill passed with 217 votes in favor and 213 against. Notably, one Republican voted against and one Democrat voted for.
This resolution will maintain the government budget until September 30, needs to be approved by the Senate, before President Trump signs it into law, before March 14 to avoid the risk of the White House having to shut down.
At a closed-door meeting on the morning of March 11, President Trump repeatedly pressed Republican lawmakers to support the bill, while Vice President JD Vance called on them to remain united.
Hard-line Republicans have opposed the bill in the past, but some have changed their stance this time. “This is the first time we’ve had a vote to reduce the size of government since I’ve been in Congress,” said Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee.
Despite some hesitation, the Tennessee congressman decided to support the bill after a conversation with President Donald Trump. “The leaders have never lied to me, and neither has Mr. Trump,” he said.
Meanwhile, Democrats have reacted negatively to the bill. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said that this is not just a temporary measure to maintain the White House, but is essentially a “blank check” that gives control of the government to billionaire Elon Musk and President Trump.
In the vote, on the Republican side, Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the only person who opposed it. On the Democratic side, Congressman Jared Golden of Maine was the only person who supported it.
In the Senate, Democratic lawmakers disagreed with the bill, but they also asserted that a White House shutdown could cause chaos and harm the public interest. Therefore, some said they would vote in favor to prevent that scenario.
Republicans need at least seven Democratic votes to pass the bill in the Senate, avoiding a government shutdown that would affect everything from finance to scientific research and even put hundreds of thousands of federal employees on hold.
Many of them have been squeezed by President Trump’s effort to streamline the government. So far, at least 100,000 of the 2.3 million U.S. government employees have been laid off or have voluntarily taken early retirement benefits. Trump has also ordered the closure of agencies responsible for foreign aid and consumer protection.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nghi-si-phe-dan-chu-du-luat-ngan-sach-my-trao-quyen-n-kie-m-soat-nha-trang-cho-ty-phu-elon-musk-307293.html
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