Republican lawmakers are furious about the proposed spending plan
Dec 18, 2024
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Republican lawmakers are furious over the spending plan Republican leadership released Tuesday night.
Congress has until Friday night to avoid a government shutdown.
The continuing resolution would keep the government open through mid-March. Republican lawmakers are upset about the short time they have to review the bill and the increase in spending, raising questions about whether the speaker has the votes to keep the government open.
Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann says he's one of the Republicans unhappy with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s 1500-page spending plan that would prevent a government shutdown Friday night and get lawmakers home for Christmas.
Republican Congressman Chip Roy says he would rather see a shutdown instead of more spending.
“The troops have been paid, they're paid through the end of the month, so we can figure this out over Christmas,” said Roy (R-Texas.).
President-elect Donald Trump's allies, Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, immediately spoke up against the bill. Musk wrote, “Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!"
“I would be surprised if this is going to pass with a majority of Republican votes,” said Roy.
Most Democrats support the plan.
“It's important to keep the government open,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
The spending package includes $10 billion in aid for farmers and about $100 billion in disaster funding.
“It's very good news this disaster package got into the bill, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
The plan also includes the first pay increase for members of Congress in 15 years. If the spending plan passes, Congress would get nearly $7000 more, bringing their salaries up to $180,00 a year. It's a cost-of-living increase that's written into law, but Congress has elected not to take it for the last 15 years.