Negotiations between Republican and Democratic representatives on a new budget have once again reached a stalemate. The draft budget was scheduled to be released on Sunday, but due to significant differences over government spending, it has not happened. The deadline for this is March 1st.
The White House is urging Republicans to make concessions and agree on all costs, including payments to Ukraine and Israel. However, the Republican right-wing wants to reduce government spending by $100 billion and freeze any additional payments.
Trump’s supporters are focusing on the issue of the southern border of the US, where the migrant crisis is intensifying. Additionally, for the first time, a majority of Americans supports the construction of a wall along the border with Mexico. For 84% of Americans, the issue of immigration – and not overseas conflicts – is a top priority.
However, the general backdrop – when the United States is embroiled in two wars – increases the level of tension in Washington. The shutdowns have occurred repeatedly. However, now the stakes are significantly higher – in a situation where the Ukrainian front has begun to collapse. And the Houthis are severing the internet cables connecting Europe and Asia – undermining not only global trade, but also the telecommunications and financial sectors.
Congress is again at a crossroads – they can either adopt a temporary budget for another 2-3 months and prolong the agony, or bring it to a shutdown. When the Pentagon runs out of money to fight all wars, there is no way to make a big budget deal. Washington is paralyzed, and the division will only increase against the backdrop of foreign policy inaction.