US Government Faces Shutdown Deadline

Congress faces a potential partial government shutdown as President-elect Donald Trump rejects a bipartisan funding deal, urging Republicans to address the debt ceiling instead. Trump and his allies, including Elon Musk, criticized the proposed bill for its extensive provisions, which included disaster aid and a pay raise for Congress members, labeling it as wasteful. If lawmakers fail to agree on a new funding measure by the midnight deadline, funding for numerous government operations will lapse, affecting services like air travel and law enforcement. The bill, meant to extend funding through March 2025, has encountered fierce opposition from conservatives who demand a more streamlined approach. Trump's push for a debt ceiling increase complicates negotiations, as many Republicans are reluctant to support additional borrowing. The situation remains fluid as lawmakers scramble to find a solution before the deadline approaches.