On October 1st, the government shut down because Congress failed to pass a new appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026. Lawmakers must now act quickly: either by passing a full budget or a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to reopen the government.
But even if Congress funds the government, Trump has repeatedly refused to honor its decisions, illegally impounding, freezing, or canceling funding that had already been approved by law. He has overridden Congress’ constitutional authority to direct spending and seized unilateral control over how taxpayer money is used.
Directing federal appropriations is one of Congress’ most vital constitutional powers. This is the moment lawmakers must use their leverage to check Trump’s authoritarian abuses — not hand him another blank check.
Take Action Now: Call your senators and representative and demand they oppose any federal budget deal that fails to rein in Trump’s illegal power grabs, extend ACA premium tax credits, and protect programs from partisan cuts.
Trump’s Record of Budget Abuse
- Illegal impoundments & rescissions: Trump has frozen billions in funding Congress had already approved, including aid for Ukraine and disaster relief.
- Unilateral spending cuts: Trump has attempted to slash funds for programs ranging from healthcare subsidies to veterans’ services, without Congressional consent.
- Defiance of Constitutional authority: Time and again, he has undermined the “power of the purse,” consolidating executive power in violation of checks and balances.
- Yes, there's more, but we can't list them all here.
If Congress allows this to continue, Trump’s authoritarian control over the budget will deepen — eroding democracy and weakening Americans’ livelihoods.
📞 Call Your Members of Congress
Capitol Switchboard: +1 (202) 224-3121
>> Find your senators
>> Find your representative
📞 Call Script
Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent in [CITY/STATE].
I am calling to urge [OFFICIAL’S NAME] to oppose any federal budget deal that does not extend ACA premium tax credits and that fails to stop Trump’s illegal budget cuts and impoundments.
Congress must hold firm during this shutdown and refuse to hand Trump another blank check to undermine our democracy. Please defend Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and protect programs that Americans depend on.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
If leaving voicemail: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
📢 Spread the Word
Post on social media and tag your members of Congress. Let’s make it clear: the budget is a line in the sand against authoritarian overreach.
Sample Post:
Trump has illegally frozen and slashed funds Congress already approved — now he wants another blank check. Congress must hold firm during this shutdown and rein him in. No more authoritarian budget abuses! #DefendDemocracy #DefendHealthcare
What Dem Leaders Say
Senator Chuck Schumer
Donald Trump and Republicans have barreled us into a shutdown because they refused to protect Americans’ healthcare.
It’s clear that the way out of this shutdown is to sit down and negotiate with Democrats to address the looming healthcare crisis that faces tens of millions of American families.
Senator Cory Booker
“If Republicans were serious about keeping the government open, they would have come to the table to address the health care crisis they have singlehandedly manufactured. President Trump and Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Together, they put forth a budget without any input from Democrats, and repeatedly refused to work across the aisle to negotiate a funding bill that could address the pain their policies have caused and actually earn Democratic support.
“The American people should not have to pay the price of their inaction. While premiums continue to soar, hospitals are shutting down, and millions are at risk of losing their health insurance, my Republican colleagues have chosen partisanship over doing their jobs.