Yes, you are correct . . . as things now stand. But in the past, you could have simply eliminated a department’s budget line in the budget process until they came on board.
I think Ann Gorsuch’s EPA was denied funds under Reagan until she complied with demands for docs, and there was another one under Nixon who was forced to comply this way.
But it only works if you have a BUDGET . . . not a continuing resolution which funds ALL departments at existing levels.
Again, I may be wrong as I'm no expert on these matters. But hasn't the "new-normal" budget procedure evolved into a mini budget battle over "line items?"
I remember people being upset over this last deal that The Donald signed because it gave the dems everything they wanted budget wise. The Donald has said numerous times that the military budget was RAISED to 700 billion this year and 716 billion next year.
That doesn't sound like "existing levels." If the military budget can be negotiated in a continuing resolution, can't they all?
Also, The Donald has promised that in October or late this year (I forget) he won't sign a deal like that now that the military spending is in place. Again, negotiated line items.
Anyway. That's my understanding. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Bagster