1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Senate Democrats are rightfully opposing the Republican-proposed 6-month stopgap spending bill that would give the Trump administration excessive leeway to pursue disruptive overhauls of the federal government. Extending funding only until April 11 provides more time for bipartisan negotiations on responsible spending legislation that serves the people's interests, not an administration's partisan agenda. A short-term extension prevents Republicans from using the threat of a shutdown to force through policies that dismantle vital public services and regulatory safeguards. Principled opposition to this budget gamesmanship upholds democratic norms and protects the proper functioning of the federal bureaucracy. Rejecting this ploy for unchecked executive power is a reasonable stance consistent with Congressional oversight duties. Responsible governance demands an open legislative process, not capitulation to brinkmanship.