WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A government shutdown is just hours away unless Congress reaches a deal by midnight Washington time.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) is now on plan “C” to fund the government and avoid a shutdown, with the paychecks of millions of federal workers hanging in the balance.
Republican lawmakers left a meeting at the Capitol more optimistic than when they walked in.
“We will not have a government shutdown,” said Johnson.
Speaker Johnson says he wants to move forward with his plan “C” to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.
Plan “A” was a negotiated deal with Democrats to fund the government through March, it included disaster relief and aid for farmers.
President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk spoke up against the plan a so it never made it to a vote.
On Thursday night Speaker Johnson unveiled plan “B”, a similar but smaller plan that included a debt ceiling increase, that’s a non-starter for some Republicans and most Democrats.
Now Speaker Johnson hopes the third plan’s the charm.
“It’s a lot better package,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).
House Democrats say they’d hope to avoid a government shutdown.
“It’s time to stop the chaos. It’s time to be responsible,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).
The White House says the easiest way to do it is to stick to the original agreement-plan “A”.
“Keep your word, Republicans in Congress. Keep your word. Keep your word,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The latest plan will not include a debt ceiling increase and will keep the government funded at the same level with a continuation of disaster relief and farm aid.
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