The U.S. Senate has approved a budget bill with an 85-11 vote, narrowly avoiding what could have been the first federal government shutdown since 2019. The bill, already passed by the House, now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature, according to the BBC.
Key Highlights of the Budget Deal:
• Excludes Trump’s Debt-Limit Demand: The legislation notably omits President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to raise the federal borrowing limit, highlighting a rift within Republican ranks.
• Relief Funding: Includes $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion in aid for farmers.
• Removed Provisions: Earlier drafts that included pay raises for lawmakers, healthcare reforms, and funding for infrastructure projects like the Baltimore bridge were stripped from the final version.
• Shutdown Averted: Without this agreement, millions of federal workers could have faced unpaid leave, and public services would have been severely disrupted.
The last government shutdown in 2019 lasted 35 days, the longest in U.S. history.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations:
The 118-page “American Relief Act, 2025” underwent intense revisions and faced pushback from several key figures:
• Trump and Musk Opposition: Both urged Republicans to reject earlier drafts of the bill. However, Democratic provisions and Trump’s debt-limit demands were removed in the final version.
• Speaker Mike Johnson’s Role: Johnson, despite internal criticism, navigated the complex negotiations, calling the passage a foundation for a “big and important new start” in January.
Political Dynamics:
• Musk’s Involvement: Elon Musk, tapped by Trump to focus on government spending reductions, praised Johnson’s leadership and called the final version a “streamlined success.”
• Future Challenges: With Republicans taking control of both chambers of Congress in January, this budget fight hints at the fierce policy battles likely to come.
As the Biden administration exits and Trump’s presidency begins, the passage of this bill marks a temporary resolution to funding disputes but sets the stage for more contentious debates ahead.

Haliey Welch, the influencer behind the viral “Hawk Tuah” video, has addressed the
controversy surrounding the HAWK memecoin, which saw a meteoric rise and a
catastrophic crash shortly after its December launch.
The Rise and Fall of HAWK Token
Launched on Dec. 4, the HAWK token skyrocketed to a $500 million market cap before plummeting by 90%, leaving many investors with significant losses.Blockchain data revealed that one wallet controlled 18% of the token supply, later cashing out over $1 million in profits.Investors have filed lawsuits alleging fraudulent promotion and sale of unregistered securities, though Welch herself is not named as a defendant.
Welch Responds to the Crisis
In a Dec. 20 post on X, Welch stated:
She is “fully cooperating” with lawyers representing affected investors.She urged those impacted to reach out to legal representatives for assistance.She emphasized that she takes the situation “extremely seriously.”
From Viral Fame to Memecoin Controversy
Welch gained fame after her viral “Hawk Tuah” TikTok clip in June.Her likeness and name were used to market the HAWK token, with Welch actively promoting it on social media.The memecoin saga has sparked debates around influencer responsibility in the volatile world of cryptocurrency promotion.
Regulatory Uncertainty Looms
With the SEC under Gary Gensler classifying most tokens as securities, lawsuits and regulatory actions remain a looming possibility.However, with the SEC set to transition to Republican leadership in January, the regulatory landscape may shift, potentially altering the outcome of such cases.
What’s Next?
The Hawk Tuah memecoin scandal highlights the risks associated with celebrity-
endorsed tokens and the lack of clear accountability in these scenarios. As
investors seek restitution and legal battles unfold, this incident is
another cautionary tale in the high-risk world of memecoins.
Stay informed and always DYOR (Do Your Own Research) before investing in
influencer-endorsed tokens.
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