GOP Shutdown Watch 9/18: "Dire Political Repercussions for Republicans" Edition
According to National Journal, “House Republican leaders are trying a new strategy to counter hardliners in their conference who want them to shut down the government over funding for Planned Parenthood: reason.” …We’re not holding our breath. Here’s a look at today’s headlines, now just five legislative days out from another Republican-induced government shutdown:
Headlines of the Day:
Washington Post: Congress inching ever closer toward government shutdown
New York Times: Abortion Bills Advance, Setting Up a Showdown
National Journal: GOP Leaders Try to Urge Conservatives Away From a Shutdown
The Hill: House GOP leaders to members: We’ll be blamed for shutdown
The Hill: Obama, Dem leaders unite behind plan to avert shutdown
Quote of the Day:
Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte: “Given the challenges and threats we face at home and abroad, I oppose risking a government shutdown, particularly when it appears there is no chance of achieving a successful result…. During the last government shutdown, I repeatedly asked you [Senator Cruz] what your strategy for success was when we did not have the votes to achieve the goal of defunding Obamacare, but I did not receive an answer.” [The Hill, 9/17/15]
Fact of the Day:
During the 2013 shutdown, The Small Business Administration was unable to process approximately 700 applications for $140 million in small business loans.
Number to Know:
144: The number of House Republicans who voted against ending the government shutdown that they facilitated in 2013.