Biden says it’s ‘good news’ the shutdown was averted but blames House GOP for ‘manufactured crisis’

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President Joe Biden expressed relief that the government shutdown was averted but placed blame squarely on House Republicans for what he called a “manufactured crisis.” The standoff over funding threatened to disrupt federal agencies, air travel, and essential benefits for vulnerable families, making it a critical issue.

The situation arose because House Republicans had been unable to pass a funding package, despite a bipartisan spending agreement reached earlier in the year. Biden emphasized that a few months ago, he and Speaker McCarthy had agreed on a budget deal precisely to prevent such a crisis. However, extreme House Republicans had sought drastic cuts that could have harmed millions of Americans, leading to their failure.

Biden signed a short-term funding bill to keep federal agencies operational until Nov. 17. This bill, while avoiding steep spending cuts, did result in reduced aid for Ukraine, which could lead to further debates.

The White House’s messaging efforts received unintentional support from Republicans themselves, with moderates criticizing their hard-right colleagues. Even Speaker McCarthy acknowledged that some members of his caucus were more interested in causing disruption than governing.

The motives behind the potential government shutdown remained unclear, unlike the 2013 shutdown when Republicans aimed to block the Affordable Care Act. This time, it seemed dysfunctional, with no clear objectives.

Public opinion was divided, as polls indicated conflicting priorities regarding government spending. While many Americans believed that the government spent too much money, majorities also supported increased funding for Social Security, healthcare, and infrastructure.

This looming crisis occurred as Biden geared up for his reelection campaign, amidst a mixed economic outlook. While inflation had decreased and unemployment remained low, rising mortgage rates, high oil prices, ongoing strikes, student loan repayments, and the end of pandemic-related childcare funding raised concerns. A government shutdown would add chaos and pain to the mix, which White House officials hoped to avoid.

In conclusion, President Biden welcomed the avoidance of a government shutdown but criticized House Republicans for their role in the crisis. The situation highlighted political divisions and conflicting public priorities, posing challenges for both parties as they navigated the budgetary landscape.

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