Dems demand Trump resume cash flow as they finally get leverage in race to prevent shutdown

Congressional Democrats are moving to prevent President Donald Trump and his administration from withholding funds allocated in the upcoming spending bill ahead of the March 14 government shutdown deadline. They want guarantees that Trump will use the funds as appropriated by Congress and are considering including provisions in the bill to ensure compliance, according to four sources familiar with the negotiations.

The demand stems from an ongoing battle between Trump and congressional Democrats over the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which bars the executive branch from delaying or canceling congressionally approved spending. While some constitutional scholars argue the law is unconstitutional, Trump and his Office of Management and Budget (OMB) chief, Russell Vought, share the view that the act infringes on executive authority. The dispute may ultimately be settled in court.

"The administration will not accept infringement on its lawful or constitutional authorities," White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged the complexities of the situation, criticizing Democrats for failing to advance appropriation bills in the last Congress. “This is a pileup that they created, and now we have to try and figure out how to manage,” he said.

Congress has relied heavily on short-term spending bills in recent years, as Democrats previously avoided bringing full appropriations to the floor. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., voiced frustration, telling fellow Republicans that Democrats were making excessive demands that would restrict Trump’s authority.

"We cannot just reach an agreement, pass a bill, and then stand by while President Trump rips our laws in half," said Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash. She emphasized that a bipartisan solution is necessary to prevent both an immediate shutdown and ongoing funding instability.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, also noted that Democratic demands for assurances on spending were a significant sticking point. "There’s still not agreement. We’re close, but we’re not there yet on the topline and the defense vs. non-defense allocation," she said, adding that she and Cole had made multiple proposals to bridge the divide.

Unlike the first weeks of the new Congress, Democrats now hold leverage in spending negotiations. Republicans will need some Democratic support to pass a bill, as 60 votes are required in the Senate, necessitating at least seven Democratic votes if all Republicans are on board. In the House, where only a simple majority is needed, GOP unanimity is uncertain.

Using this leverage, Democrats aim to curb Trump's ability to overhaul federal agencies and cancel spending initiatives. A major focus is the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Trump has tasked billionaire Elon Musk with leading. The department has already begun reviewing federal contracts, sparking concerns among Democrats that critical funding and programs could be slashed.

This article was reported by journalist Jimmy.