Senate loses power and purpose as Trump runs amok unchecked by Republicans

Political Landscape & Governance - The discussion revolves around concerns that the President is overstepping the boundaries of the executive branch, potentially undermining the system of checks and balances established by the founding fathers [3][4][5] - The President is accused of using executive power to demand loyalty from businesses and citizens, reminiscent of the British king's use of treasury power [4] - The Republican Congress is criticized for allegedly outsourcing powers of tariff, taxation, and spending to the President [5] - There are accusations that the President is using these powers to suppress dissent, such as defunding colleges with anti-Trump protests and compelling loyalty from the private sector [6] - The situation is described as a "creeping totalitarian state," raising concerns about the future of democracy [6] Budget & Policy Debates - A key point of contention is the upcoming government funding bill with a September 30th deadline [9] - A Democratic Senator clarifies that he is not boycotting budget discussions but insists on including provisions to ensure the President adheres to the law [9][10] - Healthcare is a major concern, with potential premium increases for millions of Americans due to previous Republican budget actions [12] - The funding bill is seen as an opportunity to address healthcare issues and curb perceived lawlessness [12] - The Democratic party is urged to take a firm stance and refuse to provide a "blank check" to fund what they view as an increasingly authoritarian state [13] - The stakes are considered higher now than in the spring, with concerns about unconstitutional actions and healthcare losses [16][17] - There's a call to fight for democratic values and draw a line against perceived presidential overreach, particularly regarding the militarization of the nation's capital [17][18]