By Alexandra Marquez | Source: NBC News
Sen. Andy Kim Signals Potential Government Shutdown Over Trump Administration's Agency Dismantling
Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) hinted on Sunday that he might support withholding Democratic votes needed to keep the government funded if the Trump administration continues dismantling key federal agencies and programs. His remarks were made during an interview on NBC News’ "Meet the Press."
"In a few weeks, Republicans are going to try to figure out how they move forward. For the last two years, they've needed Democratic votes for every single continuing resolution, and they should not count on that this time," Kim emphasized.
A continuing resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure that allows the government to maintain operations at previous budget levels until a new budget agreement is reached.
Kim criticized the Trump administration for its aggressive moves against agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Education, warning that such actions amount to dismantling essential government functions.
“They are simply trying to dismantle the government,” Kim told NBC's Kristen Welker. "If we need to take steps to hold them accountable, we will use the leverage we have. I cannot support efforts that will enable the lawlessness we're seeing from this administration."
He further stressed that Democrats cannot continue cooperating on government funding if the administration is focused on undermining federal institutions.
"Working together only for them to dismantle the government is not something we should allow," Kim stated.
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, echoed similar concerns last week. In a statement to NBC News, she said that the administration's tendency to slash agency budgets, even after they have been approved by Congress, makes negotiations difficult.
"Democrats and Republicans alike must be able to trust that when a deal gets signed into law, it will be followed," Murray asserted.
As the March 14 funding deadline looms, Kim suggested that if the federal government shuts down, Republicans should bear the responsibility.
“This is about whether or not they can get the votes. They are the majority, and if they cannot govern, that’s for the American people to see,” he remarked.
The growing frustration among rank-and-file Democrats is becoming more evident, with increasing demands for stronger resistance against the Trump administration. However, whether withholding votes and risking a government shutdown is the right approach remains unclear.
During a recent protest in front of the Capitol, where Senate and House Democrats rallied with demonstrators, chants of "Do your job!" echoed from the crowd.
Kim reiterated on Sunday that the country faces a critical moment, verging on a constitutional crisis. "Until we see a change in this administration's behavior, we should not condone it, nor assist in enabling it," he concluded.
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