Before you see members of Congress head to the airport to spend time with their families, they will have to decide if they are leaving the lights on first. Democratic and Republican leaders unveiled a continuing resolution earlier this week that would fund federal agencies at their current levels through March 14th in addition to $100 billion for disaster relief and over $30 billion for farmers struggling with flooding, low commodity prices, and high output costs.
President-elect Donald Trump has called for Republicans to vote against the bill, saying his statement that they “must GET SMART and TOUGH” while also calling for the debt ceiling to be raised.
Wisconsin Republicans in Congress joined Trump in their opposition. Rep. Tony Wied, who represents Door and Kewaunee counties in the House of Representatives, said on Facebook. he could not support the continuing resolution because it “does not adequately cut reckless federal spending.”
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents the LaCrosse area in the House of Representatives, shared his support on X for passing farm and disaster relief measures.
Rep. Van Orden's statement on the Christmas omnibus: pic.twitter.com/C9oEwlsHn9
— Rep. Derrick Van Orden Press Office (@RepVanOrden) December 18, 2024
At the same time, discussions on a continuing resolution went on. Democrats, meanwhile, expressed their frustration on social media with Rep. Mark Pocan of Madison and Rep. Gwen Moore, who linked the resolution’s breakdown to Elon Musk.
Remind me who elected Elon Musk https://t.co/mQPkEEzROi
— Rep. Gwen Moore (@RepGwenMoore) December 18, 2024
If Congress does not pass the 1,500-page continuing resolution by Friday night, non-essential federal employees will be furloughed, and federal properties like national parks and museums will be closed.
