Once again, we are faced with so-called “make or break” funding bills, and I call bullshit! 

• Funding bills in Congress have become a stage for what many call “kabuki theatre” — a carefully choreographed performance that often prioritizes political drama over genuine policy debate.

As lawmakers wrangle over the details of these bills, the process is frequently marked by brinkmanship, last-minute negotiations, and manufactured crises, all designed to create the illusion of urgency. These dramatic confrontations, however, often mask the real agenda: securing funding for special interests and political priorities while bypassing scrutiny. The result is a legislative process that sometimes feels more like a scripted show, with the American people as passive spectators, rather than an open discussion about how to best serve the nation’s needs.

• Funding bills are designed to create a last-minute crisis.

Funding bills are often designed to create a crisis, pressuring legislators into hurried approval with little or no scrutiny of their provisions. The urgency and threat of a government shutdown push lawmakers into panic mode, leaving them scrambling to pass bills without thoroughly examining the details.

This tactic is frequently used to bypass careful consideration, allowing controversial or unrelated provisions to slip through unnoticed.

As former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously said, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what’s in it.” A mindset reflects the broader issue of prioritizing speed over transparency, with the American public left to deal with the consequences later. In such an environment, the real needs of the American people often take a backseat to political maneuvering and expedience.

• In Washington, winning or losing is defined by who secures the funding and garners the most media attention rather than addressing the needs of the American people.

Politicians and Executive Branch lawmakers frequently focus on strategic negotiations to ensure that their priorities receive financial backing, with less regard for how these decisions directly impact citizens. The battle for headlines and political leverage often overshadows the fundamental purpose of government — to serve the public. As a result, the true concerns of everyday Americans can be sidelined in favor of political victories that yield power, influence, and visibility.

• What Is a Government Shutdown, and Does It Really Shut Down?

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a funding bill to keep the federal government running. Without this funding, non-essential government services cease, and many federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are temporarily laid off without pay. Essential services, such as national security and emergency services, continue, though they may operate with reduced staff or resources.

Despite the dramatic name, a government shutdown doesn’t mean the entire government stops working. Federal workers in essential roles still show up, and some services, like Social Security or military operations, are unaffected. However, national parks, museums, and other public services may close, and many government agencies face delays or disruptions in their operations.

In short, while a government shutdown creates significant inconveniences and can hurt the economy, it doesn’t entirely halt the machinery of the government. The impacts are felt mainly by federal employees and the public who rely on government services. In reality, the government gets fully paid vacation days as their pay is retroactive. 

A matter of party unity.

Here are the 38 nay voters...

Aaron Bean (Fla.), Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Josh Brecheen (Okla.), Tim Burchett (Tenn.), Eric Burlison (Mo.), Kat Cammack (Fla.), Michael Cloud (Texas), Andrew Clyde (Ga.), Eli Crane (Ariz.), John Curtis (Utah), Jeff Duncan (S.C.), Russ Fulcher (Idaho), Bob Good (Va.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Andy Harris (Md.), Wesley Hunt (Texas), Doug Lamborn (Colo.), Debbie Lesko (Ariz.), Greg Lopez (Colo.), Morgan Luttrell (Texas), Nancy Mace (S.C.), Thomas Massie (Ky.), Richard McCormick (Ga.), Cory Mills (Fla.), Alexander Mooney (W.Va.), Blake Moore (Utah), Nathaniel Moran (Texas), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Andy Ogles (Tenn.), Scott Perry (Pa.), Bill Posey (Fla.), Matt Rosendale (Mont.), Chip Roy (Texas), David Schweikert (Ariz.), Keith Self (Texas), Victoria Spartz (Ind.), Thomas Tiffany (Wis.), and Beth Van Duyne (Texas).

Trump's comments...

The progressive media headlines...

Bottom line…

Once again, the Republican Party can’t get its shit together!

We are so screwed.

-- Steve