Key Takeaways

• Lawmakers are stuck over a short-term funding plan called the shutdown deal.
• The president can erase approved budgets through recissions without full votes.
• “Pocket recissions” let him quietly cancel money at year’s end.
• A rushed shutdown deal gives Democrats no real control over spending.
• Talks broke down because leaders left early and refused to negotiate.

What Is the Shutdown Deal?

A shutdown deal is a short-term plan to keep the government open. It sets funding levels until lawmakers agree on a full budget. However, this plan does not always guarantee spending. Normally, Congress passes funding and the president must spend it. Yet, under the current rules and practices, that promise can break down. As a result, the shutdown deal feels more like a pause button than a solution.

Why the Shutdown Deal Is Misleading

At first glance, a shutdown deal seems “clean.” It keeps funding steady without extra rules. In reality, it hides a risky gap. Without clear limits on recissions, the president can undo parts of the budget later. Thus, what looks like a simple stopgap can let leaders chip away at spending. For lawmakers who worry about key programs, that uncertainty makes any shutdown deal unsafe.

The Elephant in the Room

The biggest issue isn’t funding levels. It’s who controls the money once it’s approved. In past years, a continuing resolution meant approved dollars got spent. Yet, the president now uses recissions to block funds. This power shift makes a shutdown deal far less meaningful. After all, if approved spending can vanish, what stops leaders from cutting vital projects?

What Are Recissions?

A recission is a formal move to reverse approved spending. Congress votes to pull back money in past budgets. Normally, senators can filibuster spending bills. But recission bills avoid that rule. They need only 50 votes to pass. Leaders have used this tool to remove items like foreign aid and public broadcasting. So recissions let the president and allies undo earlier deals without full Senate debate.

Pocket Recissions in Action

Even more troubling is the “pocket recission.” Here, the president simply refuses to spend approved funds. Then, when the fiscal year ends, he claims the money never went out. Congress has no chance to vote on this move. If lawmakers want that money later, they must ask again. This tactic quietly strips billions from budgets. It also avoids any vote to undo the cut.

Why a “Clean” Deal Fails

Republicans call their plan a “clean” shutdown deal because it has no policy riders. Yet, they refuse to limit recissions or ban pocket recissions. As long as that power stays, Democrats lose control after the deal passes. Moreover, past promises show leaders break funding commitments at will. Consequently, a deal that seems safe offers no real budget protection.

The Road Ahead

Unfortunately, the shutdown will last until one side budges. Democrats must decide if they will risk passing a bad deal or hold firm. Republicans must choose between binding agreements or endless cuts by recission. True negotiations could end the fight now, as they did in past shutdowns. However, trust is low and time is short. Without clear limits on recissions in any shutdown deal, the cycle could start again soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does recission mean in government budgets?

A recission is when lawmakers vote to reverse previously approved spending. It lets them cut funds after a budget passes without filibusters in the Senate.

Can a president really skip spending approved money?

Yes. Through pocket recissions, a president may simply not spend certain funds. When the fiscal year ends, Congress must reapprove if it wants to restore that money.

Why did talks break down before the shutdown?

Leaders left town early, avoiding votes on sensitive items. They also refused to meet in good faith. That left little time to iron out recission rules or spending levels.

How can the shutdown end?

Lawmakers could agree on a deal that bans recissions and pocket recissions. Alternatively, one side might accept a short-term fix, giving up leverage. Otherwise, the shutdown continues until positions shift.