Well, the reporting on the recent maneuvers in Congress on the funding the government have been misunderstood and misreported. I’ve heard a number of news reports that the Republicans have surrendered the power of the purse for the next two years.
But I’d be shocked if the Republicans actually tried to stop anything Obama wants by withholding funds. They’ve sworn to never “shut down the government” as long as they live, it seems.
I am no expert on any of this, just an informed citizen that also has a decent recall of my high school civics lessons.
But you are most likely 100% correct, the chance that they will actually use the Power of the Purse that they do still retain, is most likely slim to none.