When shutdowns become weapons, the damage goes far beyond the budget

The latest White House memo on shutdown planning signals more than temporary disruption. It introduces the possibility of permanent job losses and a shift in executive power. If this approach becomes precedent, it could redefine how Congress and the White House negotiate the federal budget and exercise constitutional authority. Here to explain is professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and former dean of its School of Public Policy, Don Kettl. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .