The Continuing Resolution (CR) aimed at averting a government shutdown on Friday is dominating the political conversation at the moment, especially due to the staunch opposition of a number of Republican lawmakers.
Social media is also abuzz as it follows the debate, with a particular aspect being used by those opposed to it to back their claims: its sheer size. A picture of the 1,500-page-long bill has been making the rounds, showing it next to a can of soda.
Billionaire Elon Musk, a staunch Donald Trump supporter set to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) joined the discussion on his social media platform, X, posting an image of the bill with the caption "Ever seen a bigger piece of pork?"
Musk also made reference to the report revealing a provision including a salary increase for lawmakers. "How can this be called a "continuing resolution" if it includes a 40% pay increase for Congress?" he said.
How can this be called a “continuing resolution” if it includes a 40% pay increase for Congress? https://t.co/qFFUP0eUOH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024
It is the first time such a provision is included since 2009. Over the past 15 years Congress actively blocked lawmakers from getting cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA), including language preventing them even if other federal employees do get them, the outlet explained.
However, this provision amends language and changes the scenario. It comes as lawmakers have been pushing for salary increases for years, arguing that the freeze is discouraging potential candidates from running for office. The annual salary for lawmakers is $174,000. Since 2022 Congress also created a program that reimburses lawmakers for lodging and meal expenses while conducting official business in D.C.
Several Republicans have been voicing their opposition to the bill. It has been dubbed the "Cramnibus" by the House Freedom Caucus and one of its members, Rep. Andy Ogles, said it could prompt a leadership challenge next month, according to the POLITICO Playbook. Moderate Republican Nicole Malliotakis said she could also vote against it, the outlet added.
Moreover, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene issued an ominous warning for Mike Johnson should he move forward with the bill. "The Christmas CR lump of coal comes with a warning. Beware the Ides of March.." said Greene in a post on her X account, a reference to the warning given to Roman emperor Julius Caesar in the eponymous Shakespeare play regarding the date in which he would be assassinated.
Johnson, who has previously criticized omnibus bills and pledged to avoid such practices, denied the legislation falls into this category. He added it will put the party to "put our fingerprints on what those final spending bills are" next year.
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