A spending bill proposed by Republicans and backed by President-elect Donald Trump failed in a vote on Thursday afternoon in the House of Representatives.
This development leaves Congress without a clear plan to prevent a government shutdown, as funding deadlines approach midnight Friday.
The bill received 174 votes in favor and 235 against, effectively rejecting the hastily-drafted plan put forward by Republican leaders after Trump and billionaire Elon Musk broke a previous bipartisan agreement.
Despite Trump’s support for the Republican bill, 38 Republicans voted against it, including all Democrats except for three.
Conservative Republicans who voted against the bill argued that it did not propose a meaningful reduction in government spending.
Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the bill “laughable.”
If lawmakers fail to extend the deadline, the government will begin a partial shutdown, halting funding for everything from agencies handling border security to national parks, and risking the non-payment of more than 2 million federal employees.
The Transportation Security Administration warned travelers that they may face long lines at airports during the busy holiday season.
