WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement after House Democrats defeated the threat of a Musk-GOP shutdown:

“For the sixth time in two years, House Republicans brought the government to the brink of a shutdown that would have withheld pay from our troops, stranded travelers at airports, and taken food from hungry families. But once again, House Democrats stood strong, stood united, and defeated Republicans’ worst impulses.

“Let’s be clear about what happened this week. On orders from the world’s richest man, Republicans tore up their own bipartisan agreement then needlessly threw the country into days of uncertainty during the holiday season. This is a stark preview of the next two years of Republican-controlled government. No spine. No courage. Just deference to billionaires. 

“We already know Elon’s next directive: Break your campaign promises, cut $2.5 trillion from Social Security and Medicare, then use it to lower his taxes. House Democrats will continue to stand with working families. We’re going to keep fighting back in the new Congress. We will not allow the pawns of the ultra-wealthy to dismantle the hopes of the American people.”