Make Me Smart Who has the power of the purse these days?
Sep 12, 2025
In this conversation, Laura Blessing, a Senior Fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University and an expert on the congressional budget process, dissects President Trump's strategies for controlling government spending amid looming shutdowns. They navigate the complexities of congressional negotiations and the executive's influence on budgets. The hosts also introduce a fun game related to the authenticity of quirky news headlines, blending politics with light-hearted banter.
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Pawpaw Foraging And Cocktails
- Kimberly and Laura harvested pawpaws with Kimberly's Uncle David and experimented with cocktails using the fruit.
- Laura made a bourbon pawpaw smash and a bubbly 'Kentucky 75' riff while Kimberly infused vodka with pawpaw for a ginger beer cocktail.
CR Likely, Omnibus Timing Emerging
- Congress is likely to use a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded into the next fiscal year.
- Emerging plans point to a November 20th package that bundles three of the 12 appropriations bills the Senate advanced.
Democrats' CR Demands Focus On Health
- Democrats are pushing to extend ACA subsidies that expire at year-end to prevent large premium increases.
- They also want some Medicaid funding restored that was cut in the previous reconciliation bill.