Summary
A potential U.S. government shutdown looms after 38 House Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting a Trump-backed spending bill, which included a debt ceiling increase.
Trump derailed Speaker Mike Johnson’s initial bipartisan plan, causing GOP infighting and weakening Johnson’s leadership.
MAGA allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy rallied for a shutdown, angering GOP moderates.
The failure could furlough federal workers and disrupt holiday travel.
Frustration grows within the GOP over chaotic negotiations, foreshadowing future challenges under Trump’s second-term agenda.
Indeed; the debt limit forces Congress to show up for work and make decisions, including ones that aren’t politically expedient. If it is permanently lifted, the executive suddenly has an unlimited checking account, with limited accountability. Having that limit is what keeps congress in control of what gets done.
I don’t think having that limit realistically affects much other than government employees having to work unpaid for a while, but it is an area I feel like a compelling case could be made either way.