Government Shutdown Showdown: Round 2?

Here’s what we know:

So, one would think that they’d work with Democrats to address our broken immigration system and pass responsible legislation to keep the government funded. Right?!

Well, think again. A look at this morning’s news shows that House Republicans aren’t just threatening another shutdown – they’re threatening to shut down the government in order to block immigration reform that Americans agree is necessary:

Reuters: “U.S. House Speaker John Boehner on Thursday declined to rule out withholding funds to try to block President Barack Obama from taking unilateral action to ease U.S. immigration policies, a move that could lead to another government shutdown fight.” [ 11/13/14]

Roll Call: “While House Republicans consider how to fund the government beyond December and how to stop President Barack Obama’s expected executive action on immigration, there are two words that have suddenly, unexpectedly re-entered the GOP lexicon: government shutdown.” [11/13/14]

Daily Mail: “House Speaker John Boehner refused on Thursday to rule out a government shutdown as a means to block President Barack Obama from halting deportations for millions of illegal immigrants. 'All options are on the table,' Boehner said during a press conference this afternoon…” [11/13/14]

PBS:“House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, left open the possibility Thursday that House Republicans might risk a lapse in government funding next month — otherwise known as a shutdown — in order to stop President Barack Obama from using his authority to shield millions of illegal immigrants from deportation.” [11/13/14]

MSNBC: “President Obama is considering an executive order that would provide relief for as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. And Republicans are gearing up to fight the White House ‘tooth and nail’ over the action, with conservatives in Congress drafting a plan to tie up a must-pass spending bill that could lead to a government shutdown.” [11/14/14]

CNN:“Congressional Republicans are vowing to fight President Barack Obama's plan to make immigration changes through executive action, but they are struggling with how to do that without triggering another government shutdown.” [11/13/14]

Don’t they remember how this movie ends? Immigration reform is supported by the business community, the agriculture community, the faith community, labor, and a majority of Americans. Doesn’t seem like shutting down the government to stop something that would provide more certainty to businesses is the best idea Republicans have had.  

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