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The decision by House Republicans to write spending bills below the caps established in this month’s bipartisan debt ceiling deal sets the stage for a clash with Democrats in the Senate and White House — and heightens the odds of a government shutdown later in the year.

The debt limit legislation, negotiated between President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), featured an agreement to set new top lines on discretionary spending over the next two fiscal years. 

Yet McCarthy, under heavy pressure from his right flank, has since balked at those figures, arguing they’re not the target levels but merely represent a spending ceiling Congress cannot surpass. Behind Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Republicans intend to mark up their 2024 spending bills at lower, 2022 levels, estimated to cut an additional $120 billion in federal outlays.

Those cuts are a non-starter with Democrats, whose support will be needed to pass the appropriations bills into law and prevent a partial government shutdown on Oct. 1. 

The dynamics set Congress on a collision course in September over the size and scope of government spending — a debate complicated by the conservative threat for McCarthy to hold the party line on deficit reduction or face a challenge to his Speakership.  Close Thank you for signing up!

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Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the House minority leader, has said Democrats will oppose anything less than the agreed-upon debt ceiling levels. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), senior Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said the GOP’s strategy “all but guarantees a shutdown.” And Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, delivered a similar warning, saying House Republicans will never win Democratic support for their spending cuts, but they might very well succeed in shuttering the government. 

“The Senate is going to mark up to the deal that was made. And so House Republicans are going to completely make themselves irrelevant [and] make their members vote on these deep, deep cuts, and it has no possibility of becoming law,” Aguilar told reporters Tuesday in the Capitol. 

The conservative threat to McCarthy’s power, he added, has created a situation where the tail is wagging the dog. 

“These are the deals that Kevin McCarthy has to make in order to hold the gavel,” he said. 

Muddling the issue is a disagreement between McCarthy and his conservative detractors over the precise nature of the concessions he made in January as he struggled to win their support for his Speakership. The hard-liners maintain McCarthy promised to fight for 2022 spending levels in 2024 and to refuse votes on any proposal above that level.

“That was the agreement in January: that the Speaker would not put legislation on the floor that exceeded 2022 spending levels,” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said Tuesday. 

Yet McCarthy has disputed that account in no uncertain terms.  

“We never promised we’re going to be all at ’22 levels. I said we would strive to get to the ’22 level, or the equivalent of that amount in cuts,” the Speaker said earlier in the month as he defended the debt ceiling deal from the conservative critics.

That legislation, dubbed the Financial Responsibility Act (FRA), included an incentive to Congress to pass all 12 regular appropriations bills in a timely manner. If the appropriations are not made by Jan. 1, then any continuing resolution (CR) would have to cap spending at 99 percent of current levels — a 1 percent across-the-board cut that would affect even military spending. 

That threat is already spooking defense hawks, who are warning of the harm to national security in the age of great power competition, particularly with Russia and China. But a growing number of lawmakers appear increasingly resigned that a CR will be necessary, setting up yet another showdown between House Republicans and Senate Democrats. 

“My guess is we’ll go ahead and pass the CR at the 99 percent level,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.). “And then if there’s a shutdown, it’ll be the Senate that shuts it down.”

But the Jan. 1 sequester date leaves some uncertainty about what would happen when the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

Some members of the House Appropriations Committee were already feeling the time crunch, and they now have even more pressure after Granger’s announcement on spending levels. Now, the House must quickly pass those bills, and the Democratic-controlled Senate — which is sure to reject the House GOP spending levels — will have to act.

“There is a prospect that we could be at an impasse come into September,” said Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), a subcommittee chairman on the House Appropriations 

“This governing majority of ours doesn’t need to be toying around with shutting down the government,” Womack.

McCarthy has also said he will not bring up any omnibus legislation that combines appropriations into one large package, further complicating the timeline. Congress has not passed all 12 regular appropriations bills on time since 1996. 

Many hard-line conservatives, for their part, say they’re not threatening to force a government shutdown to get the spending levels they want — at least not yet.

“We’re trying to get on the same team, Republicans, to focus on spending cuts. I don’t think anybody wants a shutdown. I sure don’t,” said Gaetz.

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), a more moderate member of the House Appropriations Committee, called discussion of a shutdown “a little premature.” White House blasts Tuberville’s hold on military nominations Man survives lightning strike caught on video in NJ

Yet others are downplaying the severity of a shutdown, arguing the nation’s soaring debt poses an even greater threat to the nation’s economic well-being. 

“I’m not worried about a shutdown,” Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said. “The country’s going to be permanently shut down if we don’t get our spending under control. And I’m tired of hearing, ‘We’ll do it tomorrow.’ 

“We’re gonna do it now. Or attempt to.”

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EcoFlow early Prime Day Sale takes up to 60% off power stations, Lectric e-bike bundles up to $703 off in 4th of July Sale, more

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June 23, 2025

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EcoFlow early Prime Day Sale takes up to 60% off power stations, Lectric e-bike bundles up to 3 off in 4th of July Sale, more

We’re starting this week’s Green Deals off strong, as today’s edition is headlined by EcoFlow’s newly launched early Prime Day Sale with 60% discounts, bonus savings, free gear, subsidies, and more. Among the lineup, we spotted the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle with a smart extra battery and two 110W panels at a new $997 low. Right behind it is Lectric’s 4th of July Sale, which is taking up to $703 off its e-bike bundles, including continued savings on the new XP4 e-bikes that start from $999 with up to $356 in free gear. We also have a spotlight on Rad Power’s RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike in its gorgeous burgundy red colorway at $1,499 through June 25. Lastly, we have two electric lawn care solutions at their best rates to date, with the Worx 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw at $84, while the Greenworks 82V Commercial 760 CFM Cordless Axial Leaf Blower comes with two Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger for $300. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals from last week in the links at the bottom of the page, collected together in our Electrified Weekly roundup.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

While we’ve yet to enter July, EcoFlow has launched its early Prime Day Sale running through July 7, taking up to 60% off in initial discounts while also offering bonus savings, free gear giveaways, member-only benefits, and even subsidies on a selection of bundles. Among the great offers we’re seeing, you can more affordably equip your travels and home life with backup support through the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle with a smart extra battery and two 110W panels for $996.55 shipped, after using the sitewide code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally cost you $2,596 at full price, with it not featured in sales as much as the smaller bundles of either the expansion battery or the solar panels, though we did last see it drop to $999 during the brand’s Mega Sale in April. It’s coming in $2 lower than before for a total 62% markdown that cuts $1,599 off the tag, making it the best price we have tracked and one that is exclusive to the brand’s direct sales.

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale features plenty of additional savings that are worth going over here. First, there’s the sitewide 5% extra savings you’ll get on orders using the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout, which can be increased to 7% extra savings on orders over $4,000 using the code EFPDAFF7 at checkout. Members have a few select pricing deals (sign up is free), while also getting 2x EcoCredits on the select website-only deals and the option to redeem EcoCredits for up to another 5% off orders at checkout. From there, you’ll also be getting a free RAPID 5,000mAh power bank with orders of $500 or more, which you can choose to swap for a free 250W solar panel when your order total reaches $2,500. Lastly, some select bundles require installation, but the brand is offering up to $500 subsidies for these, which you’ll find curated into a separate section below.

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This EcoFlow DELTA 2 solar generator bundle makes a solid low-budget option to equip your out-of-home trips and home emergencies with reliable backup power support. With the smart extra battery, the usual 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity is doubled to 2,048Wh here, which can go further up to 3,072Wh with an additional battery. This setup provides 1,800W of steady output power through the 15 port options, surging as high as 2,200W when you have appliances with larger needs. You’ll get the usual lineup of remote smart controls – plus, the station has been given an IP68 waterproof construction considering it’ll likely accompany you into nature.

There’s also the brand’s fast-charging tech here to get the battery back to 80% in just 50 minutes through a wall outlet, or you can reach a full battery in 80 minutes. There’s a 500W max solar input, which would put the battery to full in three to six hours, so the combination here would take a bit longer. You can also recharge it via the DC port or the car port.

***Note: the prices below have not had the additional sitewide savings factored in (and don’t forget it’s going off order total), so be sure to use the code EFPDAFF5 on orders up to $3,999 and the code EFPDAFF7 on orders over $4,000 for the maximum savings!

EcoFlow’s website early Prime Day Sale deals (2x EcoCredits):

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale member-priced deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale installation subsidy deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale best home backup deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale adventurous power deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale solar panel deals:

EcoFlow’s other early Prime Day Sale add-on accessory deals:

You can check out the full lineup of deals from EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale on the landing page here.

Lectric XP4 e-bike

Celebrate America’s birthday with Lectric’s new XP4 e-bikes and up to $356 in free gear from $999 in 4th of July Sale

Lectric has launched its 4th of July Sale that will run through July 7, offering up to $703 in savings on the brand’s e-bike bundles. It’s a great time to ring in the celebrations of America’s birthday with the latest generation of the country’s favorite e-bike, which has the standard XP4 e-bikes coming with $79 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the XP4 750 Long-Range e-bikes are getting $356 in free gear at $1,299 shipped. You’d normally have to shell out $1,078 and $1,655 for these packages at full price, which has been the continued deal since launching two weeks ago. The free gear on the standard models is the brand’s new LevelUp rack, which expands the cargo rack’s size, while the long-range models are getting that on top of a wider comfort saddle, a suspension seat post, an Elite headlight, and an accordion-style bike lock. Head below to learn more about these new models and to check out all the other deals from this sale.

Coming in a wider array of colorways than many of Lectric’s other models, Lectric’s XP4 e-bikes have a number of upgrades from its predecessors, with the standard XP4 e-bikes equipped with a 500W brushless gear hub motor (that peaks at 1,092W) while the XP4 750 e-bikes sport larger 750W motors (that peak at 1,310W) – both of which utilize Stealth M24 tech for quieter performance. You’ll be able to max out at 28 MPH speeds in states that permit such, otherwise you’ll be able to top out at 20 MPH. The standard models sport a 10.4Ah battery for up to 50-mile travel ranges when PAS is activated, while the 750 long-range models boast a 17.5Ah battery for up to 85-mile journeys.

Among the biggest changeups in these e-bikes’ designs, standouts include the new redesigned frames that have a zero-degree stem, as well as the detachable TFT display and the repositioned non-drive side key location and charging port (plus, keyless riding options). There’s plenty more to love here, like the integrated taillight with brake lighting and turn signal functionality, the puncture-resistant mixed-terrain tires, hydraulic brakes, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and much more. You can get a full rundown on what to expect in our original launch coverage here.

Lectric’s new XP4 e-bikes with up to $356 bundles:

Lectric’s XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bike clearance offers (price cuts only):

XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $703 bundles:

XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bike offers with $414 bundles:

XP Electric Trike with $405 bundle

Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $336 bundle

XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles:

ONE LR e-bike with $220 bundle

rad power radcity 5 plus commuter e-bike

Rad Power’s stunning red burgundy RadCity 5 Plus commuter e-bike carries you up to 50+ miles at $1,499

As part of Rad Power’s ongoing Father’s Day Sale that will continue through June 25, and also running parallel to the new RadRunner Plus and Max free gear promotions, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the brand’s RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike that is down at $1,499 shipped. Normally priced at $1,699 outside of sales, we haven’t seen this model included among the savings events since March. During last year’s Labor Day sale, we saw it fall to $999 while on clearance (and originally scheduled to be discontinued), but since the model was reintroduced, it’s only ever been discounted to this same rate, which comes in as the second-best non-clearance price that we have tracked.

I was very happy to see Rad Power continue offering the RadCity 5 Plus after its original discontinuation, as I regularly take rides on my mom’s e-bike when visiting Virginia – and I much prefer this burgundy red colorway that it now comes in. The 750W rear hub motor and 672Wh battery pair together to provide up to 50+ miles of travel on a full charge at top speeds of up to 20 MPH. It has five pedal assistance levels to support you through your journeys, or you can use the throttle to cruise on pure electric power, though this does drastically limit its mileage.

There’s plenty of solid features that make the ride all the better, like the water-resistant wiring harness and puncture-resistant tires. There’s also the hydraulic disc brakes, an integrated taillight that provides brake lighting, fenders to go over each tire, an integrated rear cargo rack, and a backlit LCD for setting adjustments and at-a-glance performance information.

Be sure to also check out the other deals we’re seeing in Rad Power’s long-lasting Father’s Day Sale, which includes a rare discount on the RadTrike and a new $999 low price on the RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike. And if you’ve been wanting to jump aboard the newest releases, you can score a free center cargo console for either the RadRunner Plus or RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bikes starting from $1,799.

Worx 20V 5-inch cordless mini chainsaw

Amazon is offering the Worx 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw at $84 shipped. Down from its $130 price tag, we’ve mostly seen it drop to $99 over the last year, with it more recently going lower to $89 while occasionally dipping to $85. Those rates are all getting beaten by the deal here, which comes as a 35% markdown that saves you $46 at the best price we have tracked. You can also find its upgraded Nitro counterpart down at $109 from $150 right now.

While it may not be the upgraded Nitro model that provides more cuts on a single charge, Worx’s first-generation mini chainsaw offers much of the same functionality for pruning tree branches at up to 100 cuts per charge of its 2.0Ah battery (which can also power 140+ other 20V, 40V and 80V tools). Its slim 3.9-pound design makes it handy when having to make cuts in tighter spaces, especially when you’re deep in the weeds and branches. You’ll be able to dial in your preferred tension level using the onboard tool, with it also providing an upper chain guard, as well as a hand guard, for added safety – plus, there’s a lock-out switch to prevent accidental start-ups.

greenworks 82V commercial 760 CFM cordless axial leaf blower

Greenworks’ 82V commercial 760 CFM cordless axial blower with two Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries at new $300 low (50% off)

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 82V Commercial-Grade 760 CFM Cordless Axial Leaf Blower bundle with two 82V Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger at $299.99 shipped. This combination of the blower with the two smart batteries would normally fetch $600 at full price. Discounts usually hit its one-battery package, which is currently down at the exact same rate, meaning you’ll be getting the additional 4.0Ah battery for free (valued at $250). All-in-all, you’re looking at a 50% markdown from the cost of buying everything separately, giving you $300 in savings at the best price we have tracked.

This 82V Greenworks axial leaf blower bundle comes as one of the brand’s commercial products for professional landscapers and groundskeepers, giving you “38% more power than a 27cc gas blower,” without the noise and fumes that those models tend to produce. It reaches a maximum of 760 CFM, providing up to 140 MPH air flow to clear out debris, all controlled via the trigger-activated variable speed and cruise controls. The batteries here are higher-end models than we see on its non-commercial tools, as they come with both digital and Bluetooth readouts, and allow for the blower’s 120-minute continuous runtime on a full charge of a single battery (so 240 minutes with both here).

Speaking of commercial-grade models, you can still pick up the brand’s 82V 18-inch Commercial-Grade Cordless Chainsaw that comes with 4.0Ah and 2.5Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger at a new $400 low right now.

Best Spring EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Technology

Super Micro shares fall on planned $2 billion convertible debt offering

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June 23, 2025

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Super Micro shares fall on planned billion convertible debt offering

The Super Micro Computer headquarters in San Jose, California, on Dec. 3, 2024.

David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Super Micro Computer shares fell about 6% on Monday after the server maker said it plans to offer $2 billion in convertible notes, maturing in 2030.

A company’s stock often falls on the announcement of a convertible offering because the eventual conversion to equity could dilute existing shareholders’ stakes.

Super Micro, which has seen its business boom due to soaring demand for Nvidia’s artificial intelligence processors, said in a press release that it plans to use the proceeds from the offering for “general corporate purposes, including to fund working capital for growth and business expansion.” It also said it would spend about $200 million to repurchase its stock from the note issuers.

Even after Monday’s slide, Super Micro shares are up close to 40% so far in 2025 as the company remains one of a handful of server makers that can sell systems based around new chips from Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Intel soon after they start shipping. The stock has been viewed by Wall Street as an AI pure play that will appreciate with tech megacap companies expected to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on data centers to support AI workloads.

Super Micro also secured a major contract with a data center in Saudi Arabia when President Donald Trump visited the Middle East in May.

Super Micro “has emerged as a market leader in AI-optimized infrastructure,” Raymond James analysts wrote in a report last month, saying that 70% of the company’s revenue was attributable to AI. The analysts recommend buying the stock.

Investors soured on Super Micro in March and April on concerns about tariffs, and in May the company slashed its fiscal 2025 guidance and chose not to reiterate its previous forecast for $40 billion in fiscal 2026 sales, due to tariff and AI chip uncertainty.

The stock has recouped some of those losses but is still trading well below its high for the year reached in February.

Super Micro had a tumultuous 2024 largely because of accusations of accounting irregularities, and was forced to refile financials with the SEC in order to avoid delisting from the Nasdaq. Super Micro also named a new auditor, removed its CFO and named additional members to its board of directors.

WATCH: The bull case for Super Micro

Raymond James' Simon Leopold talks the bull case for Super Micro

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Environment

Jim Cramer: Why Wall Street is actually going higher after the U.S. bombed Iran

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June 23, 2025

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Jim Cramer: Why Wall Street is actually going higher after the U.S. bombed Iran

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