Podcast Summary: Tangle – "Can the Senate Prevent a Government Shutdown?"

Podcast Information

• Title: Tangle
• Host: Isaac Saul
• Description: Independent, non-partisan political news featuring diverse viewpoints from across the political spectrum, insightful interviews, and comprehensive analysis of current events.
• Episode: Can the Senate Prevent a Government Shutdown?
• Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction

Isaac Saul opens the episode by outlining the primary topic: the looming threat of a government shutdown due to stalled funding negotiations. He also teases an upcoming "mailbag" segment where listener questions on various topics, including the Trump administration, cryptocurrency, and Social Security, will be addressed.

Main Story: The Continuing Resolution and Government Shutdown

John Law delves into the core issue of the episode—the House of Representatives has passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through September 30 with a narrow 217-213 vote. This CR includes a $6 billion increase in defense spending and a $13 billion decrease in non-defense spending. Notably,:

• Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes that President Donald Trump supports the CR, yet its passage without Democratic backing in the Senate is precarious.
• The CR now moves to the Senate, where it requires 60 votes to pass and avert a shutdown. With Senate Republicans holding a 53-47 majority and Senator Rand Paul opposing the bill, securing the necessary votes proves challenging.

Quote:
"House Republicans are looking to pass a short term funding bill to avoid a government shutdown by March 14th. Speaker Mike Johnson says President Trump supports the move."
— Ryan Reynolds, [05:08]

Key Points:

• The CR is the first House-passed spending bill without Democratic support since Republicans gained the majority in 2022.
• Representative Jared Golden (D-ME) and Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) break party lines in voting.
• Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, oppose the CR, advocating for a one-month funding bill instead to allow more negotiation time.

Perspectives from the Left and Right

The Left's Viewpoint

Democrats argue that the CR undermines congressional authority and cedes excessive power to the executive branch, particularly benefiting President Trump’s agenda.

Notable Quotes:

• "The decision on how to spend their tax dollars should remain with the Congress they've elected."
  — Hayes Brown, MSNBC, as referenced by John Law, [09:41]

• "Engaging in budget negotiations would only provide cover for continued constitutional violations that are themselves likely to upend the economy over the long term."
  — Nicholas Creel, Newsweek, as referenced by John Law

Key Points:

• The CR is criticized for weakening checks and balances by transferring spending authority to the President.
• Democrats believe supporting the CR would legitimize President Trump's potential misuse of funds.
• There is a strong call for Senate Democrats to resist the CR to maintain legislative control over federal spending.

The Right's Viewpoint

Republicans defend the CR as a strategic move to advance President Trump’s policy goals and prevent an immediate shutdown.

Notable Quotes:

• "A continuing resolution is the best way to propel Trump's agenda right now."
  — Eric Teetzel, The Federalist, as referenced by John Law, [09:41]

• "Senate Democrats are toying with shutting down the government on Friday. They think that they might get a win out of that..."
  — Christopher Bedford, Blaze Media, as referenced by John Law

Key Points:

• The CR is framed as a necessary measure to continue funding while pushing forward Trump's legislative priorities, including border security and tax reforms.
• Republicans argue that without the CR, the economy and government operations would face immediate disruptions.
• There is skepticism about the Democrats' willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations, casting the CR as a practical alternative to prolonged stalemate.

Isaac Saul's Take

Isaac Saul provides his analysis, expressing skepticism about both parties' commitments to genuine fiscal responsibility.

Notable Quotes:

• "The House's stopgap bill actually increases spending by $10 billion from 2024, and it projects to reduce the deficit by just $8 billion."
  — Isaac Saul, [17:54]

• "Trump is trying to appropriate funding he never intends to spend, then use that money as a slush fund for whatever he wants..."
  — Isaac Saul

Key Points:

• Isaac criticizes the Republican-led CR for marginally addressing the deficit while increasing overall spending.
• He highlights the contradiction between Republican promises of budget balance and their reliance on short-term funding measures.
• Isaac warns that the CR could further erode the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch, enabling excessive presidential control over federal spending.
• He underscores the potential long-term damage to government operations and fiscal health if such practices continue unchecked.

Mailbag: Addressing Listener Questions

Isaac Saul responds to Brett from Phoenix, Arizona, questioning the lack of libertarian perspectives in the podcast.

Response:

• Tangle incorporates libertarian viewpoints within broader right-leaning discussions rather than segregating them into a separate category.
• Isaac explains that while libertarians don't fit neatly into the traditional left-right spectrum, their principles often align with right-leaning ideologies, particularly on issues like small government and low regulation.
• The podcast acknowledges the challenge of categorizing diverse viewpoints but maintains an inclusive approach by featuring libertarian commentators alongside other right-wing perspectives.

Under the Radar: Environmental Impacts in Brazil

John Law highlights a significant yet overlooked story about the Brazilian state of Para cutting down tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest to construct a highway for the upcoming 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30).

Key Points:

• The highway aims to accommodate approximately 50,000 attendees, promising economic opportunities.
• Local concerns focus on environmental degradation, wildlife disruption, and negative impacts on agricultural economies.
• The BBC report underscores the tension between economic development and environmental conservation.

Numbers Section

• US Budget Deficit (First 5 Months FY 2025): $1.5 trillion, an increase of $318 billion from the same period in 2024.
• House CR Deficit Reduction (FY 2025-2034): Estimated at $8 billion by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
• Impact of IRS Funding Rescissions: Projected to reduce federal revenues by $66 billion between FY 2025 and FY 2034.
• House Republicans Voting for CR: 6 members had not supported any stopgap funding bill since Republicans gained the House majority in 2023.
• Public Blame for 2018-2019 Shutdown: 50% of Americans blamed President Trump, while 37% held Democrats in Congress responsible.

Have a Nice Day: Acts of Heroism

Sharonda Hunter, 25 weeks pregnant, lost consciousness while driving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Latanya, a city bus driver, witnessed the accident and bravely intervened, preventing a potential tragedy by keeping Hunter alert until help arrived. No injuries were reported.

Conclusion

Isaac Saul wraps up the episode by emphasizing the critical nature of the Senate's upcoming decision on the CR and its broader implications for governmental operations and fiscal responsibility. He encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged as the situation unfolds.

Closing Remarks:

• Isaac previews the next episode's mailbag segment, promising answers to diverse listener questions.
• He invites support through newsletter or podcast memberships for exclusive content and updates.

Notable Contributions:

• Produced by: Isaac Saul
• Edited by: Dew Thomas
• Script Edited by: Ari Weitzman, Will K Backdaily, Saul, and Sean Brady
• Music: Diet75

For more insights and updates, visit readtangle.com.

Final Quote: "The result for the rest of us is that we're left hoping Doge, which can't even accurately itemize its purported savings, will somehow keep the government functioning while also finding trillions of dollars of savings. I gotta say, I am not feeling hopeful about that."
— Isaac Saul, [17:54]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions, providing a clear and detailed overview for listeners seeking to understand the complexities surrounding the potential government shutdown and the political maneuvering within Congress.