Hakeem Jeffries Indicates Democrats May Dismiss ‘Clean’ Funding Bill After Criticism of Johnson’s Proposal – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
6:30 PM – Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Following claims that Republican leaders have breached an agreement and issued threats of a government shutdown, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) indicated on Wednesday that Democrats would oppose any federal spending plan that strays from the bipartisan framework introduced the previous day.
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In a brief declaration, Jeffries warned Republicans that they will be responsible for the political and economic ramifications of any shutdown, emphasizing the growing backlash against the proposed continuing resolution (CR), which includes vocal criticism from President-elect Donald Trump.
Under growing pressure from conservatives both within and outside Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is reportedly considering abandoning the negotiated CR in favor of a “clean” bill that strips many of the additional provisions agreed upon with Democrats, according to sources.
This proposed document includes $100 billion in emergency aid for victims of natural disasters nationwide, particularly those impacted by recent hurricanes, along with financial support for farmers across the country.
Elon Musk, leading a cost-reduction initiative under the forthcoming GOP presidency, is also advocating against the broader proposal.
Trump and vice president-elect JD Vance joined forces on Wednesday afternoon, urging Johnson and GOP leaders to retract the bipartisan deal and push through a more simplified bill.
Additionally, they are urging Republicans to raise the debt ceiling, the Hill reported.
“Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling,” Trump and Vance asserted in a joint statement. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country.”
Johnson and GOP leadership are racing against the clock to secure government funding before Friday’s shutdown deadline while managing the discontent from Republican members who have criticized Johnson for being too lenient in negotiations with Democrats over spending measures.
Given the slim margins in the House, Johnson would have little room for error if House Democrats oppose a “clean” CR. With several Republican representatives historically voting against CRs and potentially unwilling to do so this month, despite Trump’s urging, unifying his divided GOP caucus may prove challenging.
However, Democrats appear ready to allow GOP leaders to handle any fallout from abandoning the bipartisan agreement in favor of a more partisan approach.
“They’re in charge,” remarked Democrat Rep. Jim McGovern. “They must figure it out.”
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