Senate Democrats have increasingly become emboldened in their legislative fights against President Donald Trump, blocking even traditionally bipartisan bills as they push back against his policies and personnel.

Blocking Bipartisan Bills

The decision to let a key surveillance authority lapse is part of this strategy, with Democrats arguing that President Trump’s appointment of federal housing regulator Bill Pulte to temporarily lead the nation’s intelligence agencies is a greater threat to national security.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., criticized Democrats for playing ‘fast and loose’ with national security, pointing to the 43-day government shutdown last fall and a monthslong delay in funding for Trump’s immigration enforcement operations.

Democrats’ Growing Confidence

Democrats’ growing confidence comes at a time when Republicans are often sparring with Trump, who has made clear he has little interest in compromise with lawmakers in either party. The hardball approach has helped unite Democrats inside and outside of the Capitol as they say they have no other choice — and that the blame should fall on Trump for how he is governing.

Strategist Joel Payne says he believes Democrats have gained a bit of leverage since the shutdown in the fall, with the party staying together in blocking the immigration funding and the surveillance authority.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.