'"No choice": DOGE leaders rally House conservatives against 1,500+ page 'pork-fest''

The newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-leaders have banded together to oppose a temporary spending bill that has garnered criticism from conservative members of Congress.

If @DOGE does not put an end to the careers of corrupt politicians, the waste and corruption will persist, as Republican lawmakers consider how to fund the government through the CR.

"Consequently, it is necessary to proceed in that manner. Although I desire an alternative course of action, it is unavailable."

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate and DOGE co-leader, has criticized the legislation and proposed a 1-page resolution for Republicans to present.

"Yes, it is possible to enact a simple 1-page Continuing Resolution instead of a 1,500+ page omnibus pork-fest," Ramaswamy wrote. "Here it is."

"A clean CR should not allow historical spending excesses to continue, but at the very least, we should not add more waste to it," Ramaswamy stated.

Musk reposted comments from elected Republicans opposing the bill, which Ramaswamy had criticized in a video.

"Thank you!" Musk responded to GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's statement that she would not vote for the "Cramnibus bill" because of the "billions to Ukraine, mask and vaccine mandates, and Deep State immunity."

Luna wrote that she will continue to advocate for a separate disaster relief legislation.

On X, Musk wrote that any member of the House or Senate who votes for the outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years.

The CR, a 1,547-page document, was released by Congressional leaders on Tuesday evening after negotiations delayed its initial release on Sunday. Since then, it has faced strong opposition from conservatives and House GOP hardliners, who are unhappy with the unrelated policy provisions included in the legislation, rather than a "clean" extension of government funding.

The government has extended its existing programs and services for a few more months, until March 14, 2025.

Due to Congress's inability to pass its annual appropriations bills, a stopgap measure is required to fund the federal government's various agencies, including the Pentagon, national security apparatus, health, welfare, transportation, and domestic services. Since the fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, Congress resolved the issue by passing a temporary funding bill that expires on Friday.

On Wednesday afternoon, Chad Pergram, Planet Chronicle' Senior Congressional Correspondent, reported that there is discussion about withdrawing the CR and passing a "clean" bill. However, it is uncertain if this would also exclude disaster aid.

Halting the 1,500-page spending package and requiring a vote on a clean bill would be a significant triumph for DOGE and its advocates, who have been vocal in their calls for reforms in how government spending bills are managed.

"This bill is incompatible with the existence of @DOGE," GOP Rep. Chip Roy's press office stated on X. "The @HouseGOP should vote NO. Miss Christmas if we must."

After the bill was "bleeding support from Republicans," Pergram posted on X on Wednesday.

According to Pergram, a House Republican leader stated that Elon Musk is not assisting in the matter of voting out all lawmakers in two years, as he has more pressing concerns to attend to.

There have been discussions about replacing Johnson as Speaker of the House due to his struggles in reaching a consensus with his narrow majority, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Lawrence Jones of Planet Chronicle reported Wednesday evening that President-elect Trump is completely opposed to the CR, despite acknowledging that Johnson is in a precarious position.

Johnson stated on Fox & Friends on Wednesday that although government debt and deficits are a worry, Republicans need to approve "short-term stopgap funding measures" until Democrats relinquish control of the White House and Senate.

When the new Congress begins in January, with Republicans in control and DOGE fully operational, we will be able to reduce the size and scope of government.

Johnson stated that the move would guarantee Republican control over spending until 2025, characterizing it as an "unattainable stance."

"This is the sausage-making process," he added.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead DOGE, as the House Speaker has disclosed that he has been in communication with them through a text chain.

Johnson stated that the Republicans have a razor-thin margin, meaning any bill needs Democrat votes. He acknowledged this understanding through a text exchange.

If Republicans fail to secure enough votes or support from Democrats, a government shutdown will occur on Friday night, despite opposition from within their party.

"What does President Trump want Republicans to do: vote for the CR or shut down government? Without guidance, uncertainty prevails," stated retiring Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, in a subtle tweet.

Trump declared on Wednesday afternoon, "If Democrats attempt to shut down the government unless we grant them all their demands, then LET THEM TRY."

Musk stated that shutting down the government, despite not stopping all operations, would be preferable to passing a bad bill.

This report was contributed to by Anders Hagstrom, Liz Elkind, Nikolas Lanum, and the Associated Press.