Congress approves plan to avoid government shutdown amid Republican divisions

The US Congress narrowly avoided a partial government shutdown on Friday, after weeks of partisan wrangling over federal spending limits and debt ceiling extensions. The crisis came as Republicans, responding to pressure from former President Donald Trump, debated proposals to raise the debt limit while addressing broader fiscal concerns.

President of the Chamber Mike Johnsona Republican, he managed to push a plan through his chamber, which is narrowly controlled by his party, while also securing enough bipartisan support to pass it in the Democratic-majority Senate. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Johnson expressed cautious optimism:

“We have a plan. We hope to vote this morning.”

The deal, however, highlighted deep divisions among Republicans, particularly within the party’s conservative wing. Many Trump-aligned hardliners have called for tougher measures, including a more significant reduction in federal spending, before agreeing to any increase in the debt ceiling.

Trump, who has remained a vocal force within the Republican Party, stepped up his rhetoric in the days leading up to the vote. Asked an ambitious suspension of the debt ceiling for five yearsconsidering short-term extensions inadequate.

“Congress must eliminate or extend the ridiculous debt ceiling through 2029. Without this, we should never reach a deal,” Trump wrote on social media.

Despite these calls, lawmakers opted for a short-term solution, avoiding a shutdown but leaving unanswered questions about long-term fiscal policy.

The final vote on the plan came late Thursday night, with significant Republican opposition. The measure passed with 174 votes in favour AND 235 vsreflecting a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans that ignored the objections of the party’s far-right faction.

The temporary resolution highlights ongoing challenges for President Johnson as he tries to navigate a fractious Republican Party and maintain government operations in the months ahead.