With a March 14 government shutdown deadline looming, President Trump is urging Republicans to unify behind a 99-page spending bill that would fund the government through September. The bill maintains current spending levels, increases defense funding by $8 billion, allocates $6 billion for veterans' healthcare, and reduces non-defense spending by $13 billion.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has scheduled a vote for Tuesday, daring Democrats to oppose it. Trump’s message is clear: “NO DISSENT”, emphasizing that delaying a shutdown battle could strengthen their position in future negotiations. While key programs like Social Security and Medicare would continue, a prolonged shutdown could stall economic data releases, delay federal worker pay, and temporarily dent GDP growth. Markets remain wary, as previous shutdowns under Trump’s administration saw significant political and economic fallout.

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