Democrat’s Won’t Challenge Trump Finding Ways to Pay People During the ‘Shutdown’….

Between the lines: Several House Democrats in battleground district said privately that it would be a massive political headache for them if party members challenged the payments.

• “The legality is questionable, but politically I hope Democrats don’t do it,” said one lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide candid thoughts about the political dynamics around the shutdown.
• Said another vulnerable House Democrat: “I’d say that it’s a good thing we’re helping poor people who are facing food prices and it’s good that we’re paying the troops.”
• “I don’t see people raising the legality question,” the second member said, predicting “somebody will, ultimately” but that they “can’t imagine” it will be a congressional Democrat.

The bottom line: Unlike Trump’s cuts to agencies like USAID and the Department of Education, Democrats see little of substance to quibble over despite disapproving of Trump’s methods.

• “That’s probably why we’re not saying as much,” Pocan acknowledged.
• Said Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.): “There’s general agreement that people want to see active duty personnel paid, so I think it’s less likely people use this as the example.”
• “But there’s no question that Trump is essentially lawless,” he added. “So he’ll trip the wire on things people do care about.”

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