WASHINGTON D.C. – A potential government shutdown looms as the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through September 30th, setting up a contentious battle with Senate Democrats. The bill, spearheaded by House Speaker Mike Johnson, has ignited concerns over executive overreach and the potential for unchecked impoundment, with critics labeling it a “blank check” for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The House vote, which saw only one Republican defection, was met with near-unanimous Democratic opposition, highlighting deep divisions over the budget’s implications. Rep. Jasmine Crockett framed the debate as a direct challenge to the constitutional “power of the purse,” arguing that the proposed budget effectively allows the executive branch to bypass congressional appropriations.
“This is not what Madison had in mind,” Crockett stated, referencing James Madison’s Federalist No. 58, which emphasized the importance of congressional control over federal spending.
The bill’s passage has also fueled concerns about impoundment, a practice where the executive branch withholds funds appropriated by Congress. Rep. JD Vance suggested that the White House would simply ignore the budget, effectively removing Congress and the American people from the governing process. Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that the budget “wipes out the guardrails” on taxpayer spending, allowing Trump and Musk to control funding at will.
“They can spend taxpayer money or shut off taxpayer money however they want,” Warren stated.
The Senate now faces a critical decision, with the budget bill subject to the filibuster, requiring 60 votes for passage. Senate Democrats, while in the minority, possess the power to obstruct the bill, potentially triggering a government shutdown on Friday, March 14th.
“This is a real opportunity for Democrats who seize the opportunity to push back against Elon Musk. And maybe get some control of the narrative, framing what Vance and the House Republicans are offering as unconstitutional, and un-American,” the article states.
Senate Democrats have remained tight-lipped about their voting intentions, leaving the possibility of a shutdown hanging in the balance. Critics urge them to demand clear limits on DOGE’s power and refuse to pass anything beyond a “clean” continuing resolution to maintain essential government functions.
The article also highlights the impact of DOGE’s “efficiency” efforts on federal workers, labeling them “canaries in the coal mine.” The Federal Unionists Network is organizing a mass call to action, aiming to build a broad-based movement against what they perceive as a “hostile takeover” of the government.
The impending shutdown deadline adds urgency to the debate, with the potential for significant disruptions to government services and public confidence.
