Congressman Daniel Webster was among those who joined in a failed effort on the part of President-elect Trump to keep the government open.
The government shutdown could start at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, plunging Americans into Christmas chaos. Federal workers would be furloughed and would not be paid.
For his part, Trump is standing by his call for the elimination of the debt ceiling.
“Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling. Without this, we should never make a deal. Remember, the pressure is on whoever is President,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Friday morning.
Webster, a Republican who represents The Villages, has long opposed raising the debt limit without accompanying spending cuts, but explained why he’s sticking with Trump.
“President Trump asked Congress to give him a clear path and opportunity to pass reforms and spending reductions this spring that will provide the American people relief. This legislation is not perfect, but a necessary compromise to ensure our service members are paid and middle-class families aren’t left in the lurch, while preserving Congress and President Trump’s opportunity to address our debt and spending crisis with common-sense spending cuts and reforms,” Webster said.
Webster’s statement failed to address the looming shadow cast by billionaire Elon Musk, who has injected himself into the crisis with social media posts.
