Donald Trump warns the US government will be shut down if he can't pass one bill this week
Donald Trump has cautioned that the US government might experience a shutdown within days if a specific temporary bill fails to pass this week.
The President delivered his warning on Sunday (March 9), following Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, who introduced a short-term spending bill in Congress during December to maintain government funding. Johnson's measure, referred to as a continuing resolution (CR), provided funding until Friday (March 14) - but if another similar measure isn't approved before it expires, the government could enter a shutdown, resulting in most federal employees stopping work and receiving no pay.
Republicans, who hold majority in the House, proposed a solution to the urgent issue on March 8 by presenting a CR bill that would fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2025, ending September 30. Yet, a vote must still occur, scheduled for tomorrow (March 11), for the CR to be enacted.
When questioned about the possible government shutdown, Trump directly told reporters: "It could happen." The President further stated the funding issue 'shouldn't have happened', and confirmed the shutdown 'probably won't' proceed. However, the decision ultimately rests with Congress voters.
"I think the CR is going to get passed. We'll see," he said. The president's caution came alongside his encouragement for Congress to approve what he described as the 'very good funding bill' with a request on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday.
Trump stated: "The House and Senate have put together, under the circumstances, a very good funding Bill ("CR")! All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week.
"Great things are coming for America, and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through to September so we can continue to put the Country's "financial house" in order."
Trump continued by accusing Democrats of doing 'anything they can to shut down [the] Government', adding: "We can't let that happen. We have to remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right. VERY IMPORTANT. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Despite Trump's backing of the bill, some Republicans have expressed opposition to the approach. Thomas Massie, Kentucky representative, posted on Twitter on Sunday: "I'm not voting for the Continuing Resolution budget (cut-copy-paste omnibus) this week.
"Why would I vote to continue the waste fraud and abuse DOGE has found? We were told the CR in December would get us to March when we would fight."
Here we are in March, delaying action again!" The previous government shutdown also occurred during Trump's leadership, lasting for 35 days from late 2018 into early 2019.
