Back in March, Democrats cut a deal with Republicans to keep the government open – giving up their only leverage. [1] Trump pocketed the win, then tore those deals up by cutting billions of dollars in funding for PBS and foreign aid [2]

Let’s be clear: That failure to meet the moment gave Trump everything he wanted – and emboldened his authoritarian agenda. We can’t let our members of Congress make this mistake again.

This time around, Trump kicked off talks by flatly refusing to negotiate with Democrats – saying “Don’t even bother dealing with them.” [3]

Now, with just one week left before funding runs out, Trump is reportedly finally accepting a meeting with Democratic leadership. [4] If there’s a shutdown, it’ll be the direct result of Trump’s reckless games and bad-faith delays.

Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have rightfully expressed concerns with Trump’s cruel cuts. But as a Common Cause member, you know talk is cheap. What matters is how they vote. And this vote will show exactly whose side they’re on.

[1] https://www.npr.org/2025/03/14/nx-s1-5328229/senate-spending-bill-vote-government-shutdown
[2] https://thehill.com/business/budget/5478193-trump-rescission-congress-funding-fight/
[3] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/12/donald-trump-shutdown-democrats-00560031
[4] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/22/trump-to-meet-with-democratic-leaders-ahead-of-shutdown-deadline-00575716