GOP Shutdown Watch 9/17: "Surely They've Learned By Now" Edition

House Democrats have been asking Republicans to work with us on bipartisan budget negotiations for months. Now, just days away from another GOP shutdown, Republicans still have no plan to ensure the government stays open. Unfortunately, a look at today’s news shows some Members are completely content with taking irresponsible action even at the expense of their own party and the American people:

Headlines of the Day:

Washington Post: Boehner and his allies prepare fall battle with conservative GOP critics

Wall Street Journal: GOP Tensions Grow Over Planned Parenthood Funding

Bloomberg: As U.S. Shutdown Deadline Nears, Republicans Await Boehner

Fox News: GOP leaders scramble to address Planned Parenthood outcry – without shutdown fight

Voice of America: Washington Worries About Possible Government Shutdown

Quotes of the Day:

“In 2013, the GOP warned lawmakers they shouldn't touch the ‘hot stove’ of a government shutdown. But despite the warnings, Republicans still touched the stove and got burned. Some Republican aides are back to using the ‘hot stove’ old saw again now. ‘Surely they've learned by now,’ groused one senior GOP aide.” [Fox News, 9/17/17]

“‘We really, really don't want to go down this road again,’ said one senior House GOP aide who asked not to be identified.” [Fox News, 9/17/17]

Fact of the Day:

The 2013 Republican shutdown delayed the start of the 2014 tax filing season up to two weeks, resulting in the delay of $4 billion in tax refunds.

Number to Know:

20,000: The number of veterans’ disability claims, per week, that were stalled during the 2013 shutdown.