Gov. Shutdown Is Looming And The Public Opposes It

As Congress gets ready to take another break, there is a distinct possibility of a government shutdown. There is currently a continuing resolution that is funding the federal government, because Congress could not agree on a full year budget. But that resolution expires on April 28th -- only slightly over three weeks from now. And so far, there is no agreement on a budget or another continuing resolution.

Trump wants some money included for his silly border wall. He also wants to drastically cut domestic programs to funnel more money into the military-industrial complex. Democrats don't like either of those things, and Senate Democrats could filibuster any bill that does that. That would shut down the government. The question now is -- after a very public failure to repeal and replace Obamacare, do the congressional Republicans want to shut down the government to achieve some very dubious policy goals? I doubt it, but they've surprised me before.

I suspect we'll see another continuing resolution that pretty much leaves current spending in place, but that could change if the "freedom caucus" digs in its heels and demands huge domestic cuts, or if Trump refuses to sign a continuing resolution because if doesn't fund his border wall or include his desired budget changes.

But if either of those things happen, the Republicans are playing with fire. The public doesn't want a government shutdown. About 65% oppose a government shutdown -- even to achieve some desired GOP policy goals. And since the GOP controls both houses of Congress and the White House, it is likely they would bear the brunt of the blame for any shutdown. It would just add to the perception already forming among the public that the Republicans are incapable of governing this country.

The chart above is from a new Morning Consult / Politico Poll -- done between March 30th and April 1st of a random national sample of 1,995 registered voters, with a 2 point margin of error.