In the last budget showdown, a last-minute deal was reached with House leaders to avert a government shutdown. It was only possible because public opinion had turned against the GOP. It was either agree to the deal or face eroding support and eventual voter backlash. But House Republicans have been openly breaking the deal ever since, mostly by cutting programs benefiting the middle class and poor — what a surprise. Today, the acting WH budget director, Jeffrey Zients, laid down the gauntlet, saying the President will sign no further appropriations until the deal is honored: [Read more…]