Two prominent business figures have joined forces to challenge House Republican leadership over a crucial government funding measure.
According to the New York Post, billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are actively urging House Republicans to reject a stopgap measure designed to prevent a government shutdown, describing it as excessive spending filled with special interest provisions.
The 1,547-page continuing resolution contains several significant provisions, including $100 billion in disaster relief and a one-year extension of the farm bill. It also allocates up to $2 billion to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland and provides $10 billion in aid to farmers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson faces strong opposition from within his own party regarding the spending bill. Many hardline Republicans have expressed their preference for a clean continuing resolution, arguing that additional provisions should be addressed separately.
Johnson revealed his direct communication with both Musk and Ramaswamy about the situation. The three maintain an active text chain where Johnson explains the background of the legislative process and the challenges he faces.
Musk took to his X platform to voice his opposition, calling for voters to contact their representatives and "stop the steal" of taxpayer dollars. He went further by suggesting that any lawmaker who supports the bill should face electoral consequences in two years.
Speaking on "Fox & Friends," Johnson acknowledged the difficult position he faces with the slim Republican majority in the House. He emphasized that any bill requires Democratic votes to pass, given the current political landscape.
The Speaker explained that the continuing resolution aims to address several key issues, including disaster aid relief, to prepare for the next Congress. He stressed the importance of avoiding a government shutdown while working within the constraints of Democratic control of the Senate and White House.
Ramaswamy shared his perspective on the spending bill, stating:
It's full of excessive spending, special interest giveaways & pork barrel politics. If Congress wants to get serious about government efficiency, they should VOTE NO. Congress has known about this deadline since they created it in late September. There's no reason why this couldn't have gone through the standard process, instead of being rushed to a vote right before Congressmen want to go home for the holidays. The urgency is 100% manufactured.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-chairs highlighted several controversial elements in the bill, including a $69,000 pay increase for lawmakers and funding for various programs. The legislation also includes provisions for renovating Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington, DC.
Congress faces a tight deadline to prevent a government shutdown by Friday night. The continuing resolution would extend funding through March 14, 2025, providing temporary stability while larger political transitions occur.
Musk has called for a complete halt to congressional bill passages until January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This position aligns with growing conservative criticism of the current legislative process.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's opposition to the federal spending bill has created significant pressure on House Republican leadership. Their intervention highlights the growing tension between fiscal conservatives and pragmatic governance requirements. Speaker Johnson must navigate these challenges while maintaining party unity and ensuring essential government functions continue uninterrupted.
