When Congress passed the U.S. government’s 2019 budget, it was missing something President Donald Trump wanted: money to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border (see "Border Wall Battle"). So Trump announced he would get funding for the wall by declaring a national emergency.
According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress controls the federal budget. But the National Emergencies Act, passed by Congress in 1976, allows presidents to change how government funds are used during an emergency. In effect, Congress gave up some power by passing that law.
This cartoon comments on the situation. It features two members of Congress: a Democrat (symbolized by the blue tie) and a Republican (symbolized by the red tie). It also depicts the genie from the tale (and Disney movie) of Aladdin. Study the cartoon, then answer the questions.
1. What has just happened in the cartoon? What has President Trump told the genie his wish is?
2. What is the genie’s reaction to the president’s request? How can you tell he feels that way?
3. What does the genie represent? Where does he come from, and what in the cartoon tells you this?
4. What is the cartoon’s message, as summarized by the dialogue between the congressmen?