Senate Democrats would ideally end their government shutdown quickly, vote to reopen the government, and fund troop paychecks and nutrition assistance for women and children. Similarly, it would be preferable if President Donald Trump ended his tariff battle so farmers would not need a bailout. But no matter how these underlying problems are resolved, what should not happen is that tariff revenues be used as a slush fund for Trump administration priorities without congressional approval.

Setting aside other economic effects from Trump’s tariffs, the Treasury Department has collected $118 billion more in customs duties so far this year than last year. It is estimated that Trump’s tariffs will raise $180 billion by the end of the year. This has reduced overall federal deficits for the first time in decades.