The draft OMB memo reportedly argues that the 2019 law is not "self-executing" and that the payment would need to be specifically provided by Congress as part of the legislation to fund the government. The argument hinges on a technical reading, suggesting the law created an authorization to pay but not the actual appropriation.

I think siggy has a point here. I often hear things like, "Trump's actions have a real impact on people's livelihoods!" as a justification to anger. But they are just going through a common experience that most other people have to go through. Why do they feel like government work means you're entitled to absolute job stability? The Federal government supposedly exists to serve the people. It is not a jobs program for federal workers.

I understand why federal workers might be upset and they have every right to be. But if agency heads view their primary mission as protecting their subordinates' jobs, then the agencies will quickly devolve into bloated inefficient messes. (Which I think has already happened.)

I think it might be helpful for anyone that isn't desiring to work for the Dark Lord of Mordor to view the "beltway" as Mordor.

Bleach and HCQ