Washington – Negotiations over government funding have hit a roadblock as the deadline to prevent a shutdown on March 14 looms closer, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. President Donald Trump’s unilateral actions to halt funding and restructure agencies have complicated efforts to reach a bipartisan agreement.
Leaders from both parties in Congress have not yet reached a consensus on the total amount to be spent in the upcoming fiscal year, which is essential for progressing towards a deal, the sources revealed. While Trump’s recent actions have hindered progress, they are not the sole reason for the impasse.
Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., expressed difficulty in reaching an agreement to keep the government operational amidst Trump’s funding restrictions and agency closures. She emphasized the importance of trust between Democrats and Republicans in ensuring that signed deals are upheld, citing a lack of confidence in Congress’s ability to collaborate.
Democrats are exploring strategies to counter Trump’s attempts to freeze federal aid and dismantle agencies without congressional approval before the deadline. Despite Republican control in Congress, Democrats hold leverage through their House majority and the Senate’s 60-vote threshold for government funding legislation.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., highlighted the use of the appropriations process to address Trump’s controversial actions and stressed the need to hold the president accountable for following the law. With the possibility of a shutdown looming, Republicans are cautious in challenging Trump, considering his influence over their voter base.
As discussions continue, uncertainty remains regarding the specifics of the funding allocation and potential policy changes attached to the bill. While the path forward is unclear, stakeholders are working towards a resolution to avert a government shutdown.
The negotiators have emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient time to prevent a government shutdown, with the assessment that they are “not that close” to reaching an agreement. Additionally, Representative Jeffries has accused President Trump of attempting to “steal taxpayer money.” This allegation further complicates the prospects of a bipartisan deal. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, expressed support for Trump’s executive actions on Fox News and underscored the GOP’s intention to back the president’s agenda through legislative means.
In a recent letter to colleagues, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries conveyed his firm stance against any effort to divert taxpayer funds, overhaul Medicaid, or defund vital programs, as outlined in an alleged unlawful directive from the White House Office of Management and Budget. Jeffries emphasized the need to thwart such actions in the upcoming government funding bill or even sooner. Representative Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the Republicans’ responsibility to collaborate with Democrats in passing funding legislation while ensuring compliance with the laws enacted.
DeLauro stressed the importance of Republicans proving their commitment to working with Democrats to pass funding bills successfully, given their narrow majority in Congress. Democrats have pursued legal action to challenge some of Trump’s initiatives, but court proceedings may delay the resolution. Consequently, the looming funding deadline presents a more immediate tool for Democrats to exert pressure.
A Democratic aide noted the party’s readiness to engage in negotiations with Republicans but lamented that internal Republican conflicts frequently impede progress. Despite the challenges posed by Trump’s actions to impound funds, Democrats remain engaged in discussions to reach a resolution. Democrats are grappling with the strategic use of the spending bill to constrain Trump’s authority, balancing the need to require him to spend allocated funds while avoiding implications that he possesses the power to withhold them.
The Democrats’ discussions on how best to approach this issue are ongoing, with no definitive decisions made thus far. Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico and a member of the Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the active nature of the deliberations within the party regarding this matter.
