Congress is Breaking the Appropriations Process and Threatening Government Stability

Congress’s failure to uphold the appropriations process is no mere procedural hiccup — it is a fundamental threat to the functioning of our democracy. As The Hill highlights, lawmakers are increasingly relying on stopgap measures and last-minute deals instead of passing timely, full-year spending bills. This pattern not only risks government shutdowns but also weakens Congress’s power of the purse, a critical check on the executive branch.

The consequences of this breakdown are far-reaching. When Congress abdicates its budgetary duties, it creates a vacuum that administrations like Trump’s exploit to push through controversial policies via executive orders and emergency declarations. This shift undermines democratic norms and accountability, allowing authoritarian overreach to flourish unchecked.

We have seen how the Trump administration weaponizes these gaps to expand retirement benefits or reshape agencies without legislative approval. The failure of Congress to enforce its appropriations authority sets a dangerous precedent, normalizing governance by decree rather than by law.

For a democracy to function, Congress must reclaim its role as the primary spender and hold the executive accountable. The ongoing appropriations stalemate is not just a budgetary issue — it is a direct attack on the balance of power and the integrity of our democratic system. We cannot afford to let Congress keep breaking the rules that protect our republic.