“Republicans and Democrats are on a collision course over federal spending after GOP leaders ruled out limiting President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s ability to claw back congressionally approved funding,” Politico reports.
“It’s a dynamic that’s ratcheting up fears of a government shutdown in just 17 days.
”“Democrats are insisting on the guardrails for Trump and Musk amid deep anger on the left about the president’s unilateral dismantling of the federal government. Following a meeting of top GOP appropriators and party leadership Wednesday morning, Republicans officially rejected the proposal.”
Playbook: “Do Dems hold firm, refrain from bailing Republicans out and allow an unpopular shutdown? Or do they fold and risk the ire of liberal voters eager to see the party stand its ground against Trump and Musk?”