A proposed continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding until March 2025 has ignited a firestorm of criticism, drawing sharp rebukes from prominent figures like Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and even former President Donald Trump. The bill, intended to provide temporary funding while Congress negotiates a longer-term budget, has been met with resistance due to its inclusion of various policy riders and funding allocations.

Key criticisms revolve around several controversial provisions:

Congressional Pay Raises

The proposed CR includes a nearly 4% pay raise for members of Congress, adding $6,600 to their $174,000 annual salary. While some argue this is justified due to stagnant pay since 2009, critics point to a 2022 program allowing members to expense food and lodging, questioning the necessity of a raise amidst a $36 trillion national debt and a $1.8 trillion deficit.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., talks to journalists at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

ObamaCare Exemption for Lawmakers

The bill exempts members of Congress from participating in the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), allowing them to opt into the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. This provision has drawn ire, particularly from those who recall the contentious debates surrounding ObamaCare's passage and subsequent Republican efforts to repeal it. Notably, congressional staff would still be required to participate in ObamaCare.

Disaster Relief Funding

While the inclusion of $100 billion in disaster relief for hurricane victims has garnered some support, critics argue that this funding should be offset by cuts elsewhere, given the nation's fiscal challenges. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the inclusion, stating he initially sought a "clean" CR but deemed disaster relief essential.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Reconstruction

The allocation of $8 billion for rebuilding the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has also sparked debate. Conservatives question the federal government's full financial responsibility for a privately owned, insured, and toll-collecting bridge.

Part of a span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge is suspended on the container ship Dali in Baltimore on March 26. (Army Corps of Engineers/Handout via Reuters)

Year-Round E15 Sales

The bill permits year-round sales of E15 gasoline (containing up to 15% ethanol), a move praised by the corn and ethanol industries but opposed by those concerned about its higher emissions. This provision has exposed regional divisions, pitting oil-producing states against agricultural states.

Reauthorization of the Global Engagement Center (GEC)

The CR reauthorizes the State Department's Global Engagement Center (GEC), an agency accused by Republicans of blacklisting Americans and news outlets for expressing certain viewpoints. Elon Musk has been a vocal critic of the GEC, labeling it a threat to democracy. While the bill doesn't specify the GEC's budget, its FY 2020 budget totaled over $74 million.

Other Provisions

The CR also includes a one-year reauthorization of the farm bill with $21 billion in disaster relief and $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, and provisions related to composting/recycling programs and hotel fee transparency. Conservatives argue that some of these provisions warrant standalone votes rather than inclusion in the CR.

Elon Musk, right, speaks with former President Trump during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 5. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)