A bipartisan deal to prevent a looming government shutdown faces fierce opposition from conservative heavyweights, including President-elect Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-chair pick, Elon Musk.

According to Fox News, House GOP leaders are now scrambling to devise an alternative plan after their initial spending bill proposal collapsed under intense conservative backlash, forcing them to return to the drawing board less than 24 hours after its introduction.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise confirmed the deal's demise while departing the Capitol on Wednesday night, acknowledging ongoing negotiations without a new agreement in sight. The situation has created mounting pressure as lawmakers race against time to prevent a partial government shutdown scheduled for Friday.

Conservative Leaders Mount Unprecedented Opposition

Elon Musk took to social media platform X to voice his strong disapproval of the spending bill, calling for the removal of any legislators who support it. His statement emphasized that a partial government shutdown would be preferable to passing what he termed a "horrible bill."

This stance aligned with Trump's position, as the President-elect and Vice President-elect JD Vance released a joint statement opposing the initial version of the deal.

The proposed legislation, spanning 1,547 pages, aimed to extend the fiscal year 2024 government funding levels temporarily. It included over $100 billion in disaster aid for Americans affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, along with $10 billion in economic relief for farmers. Additional provisions covered healthcare reform measures and plans for revitalizing Washington D.C.'s RFK stadium.

The national debt context adds urgency to the situation, with current figures reaching $36,189,345,826,140.62 and climbing rapidly. The federal government's recent budget deficit stands at $1.834 trillion, marking it as the third-largest in U.S. history.

House Speaker Johnson Defends Initial Proposal

House Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to rationalize the deal during an appearance on "Fox & Friends," explaining the limitations of Republican control in the current political landscape. His defense highlighted the practical constraints of managing just one chamber of Congress.

Johnson's statement emphasized the strategic nature of the proposal, suggesting it would enable more substantial government reforms once Republicans gain broader control in January. However, his explanation failed to quell the growing dissent within his party.

Several GOP lawmakers, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Johnson might face challenges to his speakership in early January due to his handling of the spending bill. The situation has created a significant rift within the party leadership.

Democratic Response Adds Complex Dynamic

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a stern warning to Johnson about the potential consequences of abandoning the bipartisan agreement. His message on X directly addressed the political implications of yielding to conservative pressure.

The mathematics of passing any spending bill remains complicated by Johnson's narrow margins in the House and widespread GOP opposition to short-term funding extensions. This reality necessitates Democratic support for any successful legislation.

The tight timeline adds another layer of complexity, as House leaders must decide whether to follow regular order through the Rules Committee or expedite the process with a higher passage threshold.

Looking Ahead Critical Hours Before Shutdown

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna revealed that negotiations for a new continuing resolution were underway, with potential votes scheduled for the following day. Rep. Andy Barr suggested the possibility of a "skinny" CR, including disaster aid or agricultural subsidies.

The evolving situation has created uncertainty about the exact form of the final legislation. Discussions about incorporating debt limit provisions into the CR have emerged as a potential compromise solution.

Time pressure continues to mount as the Friday deadline approaches, with both parties acknowledging the need for swift action to prevent a partial government shutdown.

Final Push Toward Resolution

The struggle over the spending bill highlights deep divisions within the Republican Party and broader challenges in contemporary American governance. House GOP leaders find themselves caught between conservative demands and the practical necessities of bipartisan cooperation.

As the deadline approaches, lawmakers must navigate competing pressures from party leadership, conservative influencers, and their constituents while preventing a partial government shutdown. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact both immediate government operations and future political dynamics in Washington.