The usual December rush on Capitol Hill saw lawmakers scrambling to avoid a government shutdown, a process likened to decorating a legislative Christmas tree with appropriations and modifications. A massive spending bill, initially proposed to keep the government running, was met with strong resistance from House Republicans who criticized its size and content. Representatives like Warren Davidson (R-OH), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rich McCormick (R-GA), and Chip Roy (R-TX) voiced their disapproval, calling the bill a "cram down," "garbage," and "irresponsible."

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had previously promised to avoid large, end-of-year omnibus bills. While he argued that the initial proposal wasn't a true omnibus, it included funding for various items, from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore to hurricane relief. However, intervention from figures like Elon Musk and President-elect Trump, demanding a debt ceiling increase, further complicated matters and led to dwindling support for the bill.

Democrats expressed frustration with the last-minute demands, questioning who was leading the negotiations. A second, smaller bill was also swiftly rejected, with Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) mocking the Republicans' disregard for their own "three-day rule." After the second bill's failure, a third, more streamlined version was finally passed, narrowly averting a shutdown. This final version, approved after midnight on Saturday, provided disaster relief and aid for farmers, while extending current funding levels to March 14.