The quixotic late-night filibuster from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., of a bipartisan spending bill last week was only the latest in a series of dramatic reminders that Washington’s troubling new spending boom is created by a de facto alliance between profligate Democrats and the most vociferous and intransigent of conservatives.

In response to the bill’s eventual passage, President Trump tweeted, “Without more Republicans in Congress, we were forced to increase spending on things we do not like or want in order to finally, after many years of depletion, take care of our Military. Sadly, we needed some Dem votes for passage. Must elect more Republicans in 2018 Election!”