Hakeem Jeffries Slams ‘Laughable’ Spending Bill from Trump and Musk as House Passes Stopgap Measure
In a dramatic showdown just hours before a looming government shutdown, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took aim at a controversial spending proposal backed by Donald Trump and Elon Musk, labeling it “laughable.” The House voted overwhelmingly to approve a three-month government spending bill, marking the third attempt to avert a shutdown after previous efforts faltered under pressure from the billionaire duo.
The spending bill, which passed with a vote of 366-34, is designed to keep the government funded through mid-March and includes crucial provisions like $100 billion in disaster assistance. Jeffries celebrated the bill’s passage, emphasizing its importance for working-class Americans and framing it as a decisive rebuke to the “billionaire boys club” that sought to derail bipartisan negotiations.
“This spending bill is a victory for the American people,” Jeffries declared. “It ensures that vital services continue and that we stand up against the whims of those who think they can dictate terms from their ivory towers.”
The backdrop to this legislative drama was the failed attempt by Speaker Mike Johnson to push through a spending plan that would have suspended the debt limit and stripped away key concessions to Democrats. This proposal, heavily influenced by Trump and Musk, was soundly defeated in the House, leaving many lawmakers frustrated and exhausted by the ongoing political maneuvering.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed President Biden’s support for the newly passed bill, highlighting its role in maintaining essential government functions, including Social Security and veterans’ benefits. “We cannot allow the government to shut down and disrupt the lives of hardworking Americans,” she stated.
As the clock ticked down to the midnight deadline for federal funding, the stakes were high. The White House Office of Management and Budget had already warned agencies to prepare for a potential shutdown, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The Senate is now tasked with approving the House’s stopgap measure before it can be signed into law by President Biden. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hinted at a long night ahead for the Senate, as they work to finalize the bill before the deadline.
Jeffries’ remarks reflect a broader strategy among Democrats to counter the influence of Trump and Musk as they prepare for a new era of governance. With a slim Republican majority in Congress, the upcoming months promise to be filled with challenges as both parties navigate the complexities of funding and policy-making in a divided government.
As the dust settles from this latest legislative battle, one thing is clear: the fight over government spending is far from over, and the stakes for everyday Americans remain high.
