Democratic senators have expressed strong criticism towards House Republicans and Elon Musk following the collapse of a stop-gap funding deal that included disaster aid. The senators raised concerns about how Musk's influence could impact Congress's ability to govern over the next four years.
Senator Bob Casey, who recently lost his re-election bid, described the package's implosion as 'bizarre, disturbing, and dangerous.' He questioned the decision-making process that led to the breakdown of the agreement, attributing it to a comment made by one individual.
Casey highlighted the challenges posed by Musk's influence on lawmakers, suggesting that such influence could hinder the effective functioning of the new Congress and administration. He expressed skepticism about the ability of the majority in the House and Senate to operate independently if influenced by a 'puppet master.'
Senator Ben Ray Luján echoed Casey's sentiments, pointing fingers at House Republicans for the potential government shutdown. Luján emphasized the impact of social media comments made by individuals and their associated companies on political decision-making.
Luján warned that the current trajectory could lead to a government shutdown if the situation is not resolved promptly. The senators' remarks underscore the growing tensions and challenges facing Congress as they navigate critical funding decisions and potential disruptions caused by external influences.