Washington: Hours to go before a midnight government shutdown, the US House of Representatives approved a new plan from Speaker Mike Johnson that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but drops president-elect Donald Trump’s demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.

Johnson insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day’s outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a debt ceiling increase be included in any deal – if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now”.

The bill was approved 366-34, and now goes to the Senate, for expected quick passage.

“We will not have a government shutdown,” Johnson said ahead of the vote.

It was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government – keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry Republican colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally Elon Musk, who have called the legislative plays this time.

Trump’s last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldn’t be enough support within the Republican majority to pass any funding package, since many Republicans prefer to slash federal government and certainly wouldn’t allow more debt.

Instead, the Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate next year, with big plans for tax cuts and other priorities, are showing they must routinely rely on Democrats for the votes needed to keep up with the routine operations of governing.

“So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?” scoffed Musk on social media ahead of the vote.