Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson may find himself at a crossroads, and it appears he’s leaning toward the same old song of capitulation to Democrats. If he gives in and passes a stopgap budget that lacks necessary cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the heroic efforts of Donald Trump and Elon Musk to cut government waste from the federal budget are likely to go the way of the Dodo—pretty much extinct and utterly ineffective.
In recent weeks, updates from DOGE and various Trump-appointed officials have sparked excitement as they highlighted significant cuts to wasteful, bloated, and frankly, bizarre government spending. That enthusiasm, however, could be dashed if Johnson and the Republican-majority House allow themselves to be bullied by the Democrats—as they have so often done in the past. With Johnson already hinting at the likelihood of a stopgap budget that presents no real cuts, the chances of meaningful reform this year dwindle to almost nothing.
While the outcome of the current budget battle remains uncertain, early signs are disconcerting. Johnson’s rhetoric about a possible budget failure is akin to raising a red flag in a bullring. It would be wise for constituents to contact their representatives and make their opinions known because silence on this issue could lead to another missed opportunity to tackle egregious government spending.
It’s perplexing how Democrats have mastered the art of never giving an inch when it comes to their demands, enabling them to win cultural skirmishes and escalate government spending over several decades. Meanwhile, the GOP, buoyed by Trump’s recent successes, has a mandate to enact significant changes. Public sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of trimming government fat—76% of Americans want to eliminate unnecessary government waste, and around two-thirds recognize the perilous nature of U.S. debt. If a government shutdown is what it takes to rein in irresponsible spending, new polls suggest this would be favored by an even greater number of voters.
What’s the Point of DOGE if Johnson’s Stop-Gap Budget Passes? – PJ Media https://t.co/3YpYynSkTv
— persistantNagatha 🇺🇸🍊 (@kmcccomcastnet) March 4, 2025
The real question is why Republicans seem unable to deliver on their promises. Why does Mike Johnson preemptively talk about potential losses instead of showcasing the unwavering support from the American people and Trump’s administration? There’s an alarming trend of betrayal when it comes to budget compromises, leaving taxpayers wondering if their calls for fiscal responsibility will ever be answered. The Republicans assured the nation that they would prioritize tax cuts—an idea made feasible only by slashing wasteful spending. The mantra of “Promises made, promises kept” must also apply to delivering real cuts.
Democrats have thrived on their unyielding approach; it has worked wonders for them, even after their defeat in the 2024 elections. Maybe, just maybe, Republicans could learn a thing or two about tenacity. With national debt soaring past $36.5 trillion, the economy cannot handle another stopgap measure that continues the circular motion of fiscal irresponsibility. A government shutdown might inconvenience a select few; however, it’s far better than signing off on yet another atrocious spending bill. Budgetary courage is becoming a rare commodity in Washington, and the American public is tired of politicians who talk a big game but ultimately act more like mushy marshmallows.
