Attempts To Make Shutdown ‘Painless’ May Stretch Limits Of Federal Law

The IRS has recalled tens of thousands of furloughed workers to help process tax refunds despite the government shutdown

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In its quest to blunt the effects of the partial government shutdown, the Trump administration is using broad legal interpretations to continue providing certain services.

Critics argue that the administration is stretching — and possibly breaking — the law to help bolster President Trump’s position in his fight with Democrats over funding for a border wall.

Even with the creative use of loopholes and existing funds, though, the actions the administration is taking will be hard to sustain if the shutdown continues to drag on.