Staff Reports
It seems we’ve found ourselves in quite the political pickle once again. This time, Congress is tangled up in a monumental debate over a little thing called a continuing resolution. Now, a continuing resolution is supposed to be a handy-dandy stopgap measure that keeps our government ticking while lawmakers iron out the details of the next spending bill. But, as luck would have it, what should be a little bridge has turned into a big brick wall in our budgeting process.
It’s no secret that Democrats and Republicans have been at odds over this issue. On one side, you have the Democrats accused of wanting nothing more than to increase government spending without any constitutional concern. They seem quite comfortable ignoring that old rule where Congress has the power of the purse. On the other hand, Republicans are trying to ensure that the government doesn’t spend money it hasn’t actually approved.
Now, it’s true, much of the government continues to run even during these so-called shutdowns. Essential services like the military, Border Patrol, and law enforcement keep doing their thing. Even Social Security and Medicare aren’t touched. But, amusingly enough, things deemed “nonessential” get tossed to the back burner. Think national parks, the Smithsonian museums, and interestingly enough, cancer research are all left in the dust during a shutdown. While one might argue about what merits being labeled “nonessential,” it’s clear the Democrats have made some curious choices.
So why exactly are Democrats holding up the process, you ask? Well, apparently, they are willing to shut down the government to push for free healthcare for illegal immigrants, or at least that’s how some see it. It’s a bold strategy, Cotton, but one that seems more rooted in political gamesmanship rather than reasoned compromise. Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, seems to be playing a dangerous game trying to appease the far-left wing of his party. The fear that progressive leaders might come for his job if he doesn’t fall in line might just be the real reason behind all this hullabaloo.
In the coming days, it seems the Republicans have their work cut out for them, standing firm on a clean continuing resolution. One could argue that President Trump’s stance on using the shutdown to weed out the bureaucrats pushing harmful policies might just push the Democrats to reconsider their position. When all is said and done, this shut-down showdown is nothing short of a political spectacle, with each side jockeying for the upper hand and, most importantly, the hearts and minds of voters.
As time goes on, who knows what Democrats and some wavering Republicans will cook up. It’s anyone’s guess how they might address expired COVID subsidies or straining relationships with health insurance companies. But as we stand at this juncture, this shutdown seems to be yet another chapter in the ongoing political theater that has gripped Washington, more drama than actual governance. Let’s hope the curtain closes on this act soon, so our national parks can reopen, and maybe they can get back to doing what they were elected to do – govern.
