So you’re saying Hickenlooper is lying?
Doge is one thing but Trump being able to specify which departments are essential is exactly what power he wants to have
On the surface, it seems like he's exaggerating the risk to justify a bad vote. Normally, under a government shutdown, the president doesn't gain unchecked power. Things like essential services are still determined by existing laws, contingency plans and OMB guidelines. However, with the principle author of Project 2025 at the head of the OMB, Trump can have him reinterpret those guidelines to serve his interests (changes the would surely face legal challenges). So it could theoretically lead to them selectively deeming agencies essential that align with his agenda. Hickenlooper's framing is dramatic, but the underlying concern isn't entirely baseless.
Don't know how I feel about a government shutdown. Many federal employees already face a lot of uncertainty, especially with these upcoming RIFs. Many aren't even sure they'll have a job in the coming months.
The last thing they need is to undergo a significant period in which they're not getting paid. I feel like this is all a trap by Trump/Elon in order to leave the government shutdown for as long as possible. It allows them to justify cutting non-essential employees.
What do you guys think?
I personally think Senate Democrats should vote "no" and let the government shut down, because the CR seems far more dangerous. While I hate the idea of a shutdown, passing their bill would explicitly hand Trump unchecked power over federal spending.
House Democratic leaders pressed their members to oppose the legislation, contending that it would enable the White House’s effort to drastically reduce federal spending without consulting Congress. Unlike regular spending bills, temporary extensions do not explicitly direct how the federal funding levels that lawmakers set should be allocated.
That would give the Trump administration broader discretion over large sums of money at a time when the president has already moved aggressively to block the government from disbursing funds authorized by Congress for a variety of programs.
If I read it right, their CR effectively gives Trump the power of the purse. At least under a shutdown, Trump can't directly reallocate funds.
