Marketplace All-in-One Another budget breakdown. Why are we like this?
Oct 2, 2025
Molly Reynolds, the Interim Vice President at the Brookings Institution, dives into the chaotic world of federal budgets and shutdowns. She explains how these budget battles have become political weapons, exacerbated by actions from the Trump administration. The discussion reveals that mandatory spending constricts discretionary decisions, leading to severe consequences for communities and workers. Molly also highlights the institutional challenges Congress faces and suggests that restoring authority could help fix the dysfunctional budget process.
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Appropriations Became The Political Battleground
- The appropriations process became a political battleground because it is a must-pass annual item.
- That 'must-pass' status concentrates partisan conflict into the budget and makes timely agreement harder.
Executive Intrusion Undermines Congressional Spending
- The executive branch under Trump has actively undermined Congress's power of the purse by freezing funds and dismantling agencies.
- That executive intrusion makes legislators doubt whether enacted spending will be implemented, complicating deals.
Small Budget Slice, Big Real-World Impact
- Even though discretionary spending is a shrinking slice, it still matters to millions relying on services and paychecks.
- Shutdowns quickly threaten pay for military and federal workers and harm local economies.