*Government Shutdown
“I thank the Gentlelady for yielding. The Gentleman from Georgia said that this health care was about one-sixth of the economy. He's right. [But] this continuing resolution is about 100 percent of the economy.
Secretary Hagel had some choice words today for Republicans on their irresponsible strategy, according to the New York Times:
While we’re waiting for the Rules Committee to meet, thought we’d help you out and suggest some questions to ask Speaker Boehner the next time you catch him in the hallways:
A quick look at the headlines since House Republicans announced their continued hostage-taking strategy shows that it isn’t going over well:
Bloomberg: House Republican Plan Increases Chances for U.S. Shutdown
And, it’s official: House Republicans have united over shutting down the government. Funny how the only issue they can coalesce around is destruction and obstruction. From Politico:
With the news that House Republicans are threatening – and preparing – for a shut down, maybe they should read some of the press this morning that might make them reconsider their irresponsible plan:
Reuters: House conservatives hold firm as government shutdown looms
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
I am deeply disappointed that House Republicans wasted this week without taking any meaningful action to avert a government shutdown or ensure our nation pays its bills. Today the Senate passed a bill to keep the government open while we continue to debate broader fiscal issues.
Looks like things aren’t so friendly among Republicans in the Senate. Here’s what Senator Lindsey Graham had to say about Republicans threatening to shut down the government over an unrelated, partisan issue:
To anyone who thought that House Republicans had a secret plan up their sleeves to get them out of the box they’ve put themselves in, think again. CNN covers the incompetence, featuring the best quote we’ve seen thus far: “‘I think our members still want to fight. What that means, I don't know. I don't know that they know,’ one senior House GOP leadership aide told CNN.”
Yikes.