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Trump, don’t make the Democrats’ obstruction easier
The article argues that Donald Trump should quickly tell Senate Majority Leader John Thune which priorities to pursue during Congress’s remaining weeks. It says failing to act before the current spending agreement expires could leave the White House negotiating from a weaker position when Democrats take control of both chambers in 2027.
The government funding deadline is 11 December, and Congress has four weeks scheduled before its year-end adjournment, or six if it stays through the holidays. A short-term funding extension would keep the government open but, the article argues, give Democrats more leverage over spending and policy, including on health subsidies, Medicaid and immigration enforcement.
In short
- Trump is urged to set Congress’s priorities before year-end.
- Government funding expires on 11 December.
- The article warns a temporary extension could strengthen Democrats’ bargaining position.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Trump should set out clear priorities now and press Congress to address them before the funding deadline. With Republicans currently holding the Senate, using the remaining weeks to negotiate a fuller spending agreement could preserve more influence over funding and policy than relying on a temporary extension, especially if Democrats gain control of both chambers in 2027.
The case against
A short-term extension could be the prudent way to prevent a government shutdown when time is limited and lawmakers face competing priorities. It would leave room for negotiations on spending and contentious issues such as health subsidies, Medicaid and immigration enforcement, rather than forcing a rushed agreement; Democrats’ greater leverage in a future Congress is a normal consequence of election results.