12/20/24: BREAKING: Shutdown LOOMS After Elon/Trump Deal FAILS
Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar
Deep Dive
Why did the government shutdown seem imminent?
The government shutdown was looming due to the failure of a deal between Trump and Elon Musk to pass a continuing resolution (CR) bill. The original deal, which included various provisions like pharmacy benefit manager reform and pediatric cancer research funding, was opposed by Musk and some Republicans, causing it to collapse.
What was the main issue with the original CR bill?
The original CR bill included various provisions such as pharmacy benefit manager reform, pediatric cancer research funding, and restrictions on investment in China, which Elon Musk and some Republicans objected to, leading to its failure.
How did Elon Musk's involvement affect the CR bill?
Elon Musk's vocal opposition to the original CR bill, which included provisions like funding for the global engagement center and restrictions on China investments, caused the deal to fall apart. His influence led to a new, cleaner CR bill, but it still faced significant opposition.
What was the new deal proposed by Trump and Musk?
The new deal included a three-month funding extension, a clean farm bill extension, an $110 billion disaster aid package, and a two-year suspension of the debt limit to January 2027. It excluded some provisions like pharmacy benefit manager reform and investment restrictions in China.
Why did 35 Republicans vote against the new CR bill?
35 Republicans, including Chip Roy, voted against the new CR bill because they opposed adding $5 trillion to the national debt. They argued that the bill, despite being shorter in pages, still increased the debt significantly and was not fiscally responsible.
What was the Democratic response to the new CR bill?
Democrats, including Jared Moskowitz, were largely opposed to the new CR bill. They criticized Republicans for not being able to agree among themselves and demanded that provisions like pediatric cancer research funding be added back in if they wanted Democratic support.
What are the potential consequences of a government shutdown?
A government shutdown could lead to reduced services, such as limited TSA personnel and traffic controllers, causing travel chaos. Essential services would still operate, but there would be significant disruptions, especially during the holiday season.
What role did Elon Musk play in the negotiations?
Elon Musk played a significant role by opposing the original CR bill, which led to its collapse. His influence resulted in a new, cleaner CR bill, but his involvement also created tension within the Republican caucus and with Trump, as Musk's ideological stance on debt and government efficiency clashed with some Republicans' views.
How did Trump's stance on the debt ceiling differ from some Republicans?
Trump supported a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling to avoid dealing with it during his presidency, which aligned with his desire to extend the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. However, this stance contradicted the views of Republicans like Chip Roy, who opposed any debt ceiling increase.
What was the final outcome of the CR bill vote?
The CR bill failed to pass in the House, as it did not receive enough Republican support. The narrow margin of control in the House meant that even a few dissenters could block the bill, and Democrats were unwilling to support it without additional provisions.
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