The battle over federal spending is escalating as Republicans and Democrats clash over President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s ability to freeze congressionally approved funds. With just 17 days until a potential government shutdown, tensions are rising as both parties dig in on their respective positions.
Republicans Reject Democratic Guardrails
Democrats are pushing to limit Trump and Musk’s power to withhold federal funding, a move that comes amid growing frustration over what they see as the administration’s unilateral dismantling of government programs. However, Republican leaders, following a high-level meeting on Wednesday morning, officially rejected this proposal, increasing the risk of a shutdown.
“The red line for us is, are you going to not harm the American people?” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. “Are you going to continue to cut Medicaid, take health care away from our seniors, kids, and veterans, or are you not?”
Despite holding control of Congress and the White House, Republicans insist that any potential shutdown will be the Democrats’ fault if they refuse to support a funding package. House Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) argued, “If we pass a year-long continuing resolution and the Democrats vote against it, then it will be their fault for closing the government.”
Democrats reject that notion, emphasizing that the GOP has failed to rein in Trump’s aggressive spending freezes. “It’s not up to us — it’s up to them to decide whether they want to shut the government down,” Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) stated.
Supreme Court Grants Trump Administration Temporary Relief on Foreign Aid Freeze
In a parallel battle over funding, Chief Justice John Roberts granted the Trump administration a temporary reprieve late Wednesday, allowing it to continue withholding billions of dollars in foreign aid despite a judge’s order mandating immediate payments.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali had ruled that the administration must release nearly $2 billion in unpaid invoices from foreign-aid contractors, but Roberts’ decision delays the enforcement of that order. The Supreme Court will now consider the administration’s argument that reversing the aid freeze requires a lengthier review process to prevent potential fraud and misuse of funds.
The Trump administration has disclosed plans to slash more than 90% of USAID contracts, amounting to $60 billion in foreign aid cuts. This drastic move has prompted lawsuits from humanitarian organizations, including personal service contractors and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, arguing that the administration’s actions are crippling life-saving programs worldwide.
Shutdown Uncertainty Continues
With the government funding deadline fast approaching on March 14, lawmakers are considering short-term stopgap measures to avoid a shutdown. However, Democrats remain skeptical about any spending package that does not include safeguards preventing Trump and Musk from circumventing congressional budget decisions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) accused Democrats of making “completely unreasonable conditions” in the negotiations, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed that Republicans must demonstrate a willingness to “protect Congress’ power of the purse.”
As appropriators scramble to finalize a topline spending agreement, the clock is ticking. Without a bipartisan deal in place, the U.S. faces another disruptive government shutdown that could impact millions of Americans. Whether Democrats hold firm or compromise in the coming days will determine the fate of federal funding and the extent of executive control over the nation’s budget.
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