What Dems are demanding as they finally get leverage in race to prevent government shutdown

Congressional Democrats are taking a stand against President Donald Trump and his administration, demanding assurance that the money allocated in a new spending bill is spent as appropriated by Congress to avoid a government shutdown on the March 14 deadline. This demand comes as a response to the ongoing feud between Trump and congressional Democrats over the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which prohibits the executive branch from withholding appropriated funds.

The clash over impoundment has sparked a debate among constitutional scholars, with some arguing that the law is unconstitutional. President Trump and his Office of Management and Budget chief, Russell Vought, share this viewpoint and are prepared to defend the administration’s authority in court if necessary.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that the Democrats’ failure to pass appropriations bills in the previous Congress has led to the current funding dilemma. The government has relied on stopgap spending bills in recent years, as Democrats have been unwilling to bring appropriations bills to the floor.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole raised concerns during a GOP conference meeting, stating that Democrats were demanding too high a price in negotiations that restrict Trump’s authority. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins also highlighted the importance of reaching an agreement on defense and non-defense allocations.

Democrats are leveraging their position in negotiations to rein in Trump’s actions, particularly in relation to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. With Republicans needing Democratic support to pass a spending bill in both the House and Senate, Democrats are using their leverage to ensure that Trump adheres to Congress’s appropriations.

It remains to be seen how the impoundment issue will be resolved, as both parties work towards a bipartisan agreement to prevent a government shutdown. With Democrats asserting their authority and Republicans seeking compromise, the fate of the spending bill hangs in the balance.