‘It’s depressing, isn’t it?’: With little protest, GOP succumbs to Trump on spending

Before adjourning for the year on Thursday, the GOP-controlled Senate approved a $1.4 trillion funding package embraced by President Trump that will push deficits to record levels — with hardly a peep from many Republicans who have shut down the government over spending in the past.

“It’s depressing, isn’t it?” Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said ahead of his vote opposing part of the package focused on domestic spending. “There are a lot of Republican colleagues who like to spend money.”

When a reporter suggested that Trump is one of those Republicans, Johnson flashed a pained smile and said, “Precisely.” Continue reading