It is widely reported the Congress has passed a so-called Omnibus spending bill to keep the federal government funded until September. It is also reported the bill gives the minority Democrats too much, and the President too little, in an effort to ensure 60 votes in the Senate. The alternative was a government ‘shut-down’ which is popular with nobody much.
Now I read President Trump tweeted he is considering a veto of the bill as it doesn’t fund his border wall. I hope he does veto it, and keeps vetoing similar efforts until he gets what he considers his minimum acceptable demands covered.
This President has upset a number of apple carts, why not violate the “shutdown” shibboleth too? Just maybe he can force the Senate to legislate by absolute majority, as the House does.
There is no Constitutional provision requiring the Senate to allow the minority party to block legislation, doing so is merely custom. Admittedly, it is a custom in which many find merit, forcing a degree of bipartisanship on Senate-passed bills.
Honestly, it begins to seem too costly and obstructionist to be allowed to continue. I admit to feeling ambivalent about the rule, recognizing we could be less than a year from a change in the Senate majority party.
Later ... Veto threat just that, Trump signed the bill, worse luck. Those of us paying attention aren't happy with him tonight. Those who care about illegal immigration ditto.
