# Ben Rhodes Urges Democrats to Use Budgetary Power to End Conflicts Former Obama advisor advocates for legislative leverage to curb military interventionism in foreign policy. - **Source:** [Le Monde – À la une](https://www.lemonde.fr) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/25c30c5f-53e7-450d-86ff-d3ad3f66f28c ## Strategic Legislative Leverage Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor under Barack Obama, proposes that Democrats utilize their budgetary authority to influence foreign policy. He argues that the upcoming December 11 federal funding expiration provides a critical window. By withholding specific military credits, the party could theoretically compel the Trump administration to cease ongoing operations. ## Historical Precedent for Action Rhodes draws direct parallels to historical legislative interventions, specifically citing the Vietnam War and the Iraq conflict. He suggests that Congress has successfully used the power of the purse to constrain executive military overreach in the past. This strategy aims to shift the balance of power back toward the legislative branch. ## Challenging Military Escalation The former advisor contends that current United States foreign policy relies too heavily on military power rather than diplomacy. He asserts that continuous military escalation prevents meaningful peace negotiations. By cutting funding, he believes the United States would create the necessary space for diplomatic efforts to succeed in the Middle East region. ## Addressing Diplomatic Concerns Critics argue that such legislative maneuvers could complicate sensitive negotiations, such as those regarding the Strait of Hormuz. However, Rhodes dismisses these concerns, maintaining that military pressure is the primary obstacle to peace. He insists that forcing a change in strategy would actually provide new momentum for regional diplomatic dialogue efforts. ## Shifting Foreign Policy Paradigms Rhodes emphasizes that Americans can no longer sustain a global engagement strategy based solely on military dominance. This perspective reflects a broader debate within the Democratic Party regarding the future of international involvement. He advocates for a more balanced approach that prioritizes long-term stability over immediate, force-based interventions in foreign conflicts. ## The Role of Congressional Oversight The proposal highlights the evolving role of Congress in checking executive authority during times of international tension. As an influential voice in the American left, Rhodes aims to mobilize political support for this budgetary tactic. His call to action underscores the growing friction between legislative priorities and current executive military objectives. ## Context of Federal Funding The December 11 deadline serves as a pivotal moment for federal budget negotiations. This date is not merely an administrative hurdle but a strategic opportunity for political maneuvering. The outcome of these discussions will likely determine the scope of military operations and the administration's ability to sustain its current foreign policy. ## Future Policy Implications The debate sparked by Rhodes illustrates the challenges of reconciling domestic political agendas with global security commitments. If Democrats adopt this strategy, it could fundamentally alter the relationship between the White House and Congress. The effectiveness of this approach remains a subject of intense scrutiny among policymakers and foreign affairs analysts. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/11/10/midterms-2026-nous-les-americains-ne-pouvons-pas-continuer-a-nous-engager-dans-le-monde-avec-notre-seule-puissance-militaire_6808780_3210.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._