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Subscribe to RSSThe AP: “In a deepening struggle over spending, Republicans and Democrats swapped charges yesterday over a possible government shutdown when funding expires March 4 for most federal agencies.” House Speaker Boehner “prefaced his remarks by accusing Democrats of risking a shutdown ‘rather than to cut spending and to follow the will of the American people.’ But moments later, Senate majority leader Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, retorted that Boehner was resorting ‘to threats of a shutdown without any negotiation.’”
“House Republicans believe they are on the verge of voting to end federal subsidies for public broadcasting, setting the stage for a Big Bird-size battle in the Senate and potentially thrusting the issue into the hands of President Obama, an avowed fan of the public networks,” the Boston Globe reports.
Workin’ for the Weekend? “With scores of amendments outstanding on a six-month spending measure, House GOP leaders acknowledged late Thursday that they would need at least another day to wrap up the bill before starting the Presidents Day recess,” Roll Call writes.
“The Senate adjourned Thursday evening for the Presidents Day recess after overwhelmingly passing a reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration,” Roll Call writes. “The Senate is scheduled to reconvene at 2 p.m. Feb. 28. Votes on two U.S. district court nominations are planned for that afternoon. The chamber will also proceed to patent overhaul legislation.”
“Congress yesterday gave itself three more months to consider changes in provisions of antiterrorism law that have been used to track security threats but have drawn fire from defenders of privacy rights,” the AP writes. “The House voted 279 to 143 to add 90 days to the legal authority of three provisions, including two that were part of the USA Patriot Act, enacted shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The Senate approved the measure Tuesday evening. President Obama is expected to sign the bill before the provisions expire on Feb. 28.”
“Protesters picketed at Speaker John Boehner’s Capitol Hill residence Thursday morning, objecting to what they view as Congressional intrusion into Washington, D.C.’s local government affairs,” Roll Call reports. “Wearing tri-corner Colonial hats and waving flags reading ‘No Taxation Without Representation,’ about 20 activists from DC Vote demonstrated on the sidewalk in front of the G Street Southeast row house complex that includes the Ohio Republican’s basement apartment.”
Abortion, killing Head Start, PBS, NPR, and National Endowment of the Arts funding, and now and end to the Green the Capitol Initiative.
“The House chamber was silenced on Thursday night when California Rep. Jackie Speier (D) revealed that she had to have an abortion,” The Hill reports. “The revelation came as debate on an amendment to defund abortion provider Planned Parenthood neared its third hour.” Her speech was sparked by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) speaking out against a particular procedure.
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Mr. Boeher,
Shutting the Government down, would have terrible repercussions for all and would seriously damage our country. If you remember Newt Gingrich and the Republicans tried this with President Clinton, and it angered so many people and backfired against the Republicans, with the President winning reelection.
So, Mr. Boeher, if you go through with this stunt you will have hell to pay. So be it.
If the shutdown happens, it affects about 90% of the government, the non-essential personnel.
The other 10% (essential) would still be at work. Does that 10% include members of congress (since they think they are essential)?
Are there any Federal checks issued on or after the 5th of any month?...and the 90% non-essential employees would be paid retroactively!
Just askin'!
Isn't it funny how the boss always thinks he/she is essential. Reminds of one of my old bosses "Here I come to get in the way!"
Redd Foxx and his humor....something was always 'hidden in his message'! ..that's a good one devie.
Go ahead for Mr. Speaker shut her down, it worked so well last time. Please do, we remember the stunt that Gingrich and his pals pulled back in 1994. It seems history is doom to repeat itself. The GOP will they never learn? Clowns one and all.
Talk about courage have to reveal ones personal life to silence the fools who don't have to seriously contemplate it. Abortion isn't taken lightly by any of the women I know.
Mr. Smith please remove your rethoric from women's bodies. Leave it to someone who doesn't have to make the final decision to pressure the ones that do.
It's amazing and a real curiosity that the pro-lifers only attack womenand organizations that provide family planning services.
I agree with you devie that no woman makes a decision about abortion lightly. But, it is HER decision!
The pro-lifers will not ever consider the other half of the baby, the MAN! Make him equally responsible when a child is born. Hold them to the fire on support!
Pro-lifers only care about the unborn, not the born!
We've all seen what happened in "The Badger State", and I stand in solidarity with the protesters and the state's Democratic Leadership. But this is just a template; and if things keep going like they are doing, then we can see more flare up in more states, and three come to mind: New Jersey, Ohio, and my state- Florida; and it won't be a question of "How", "Where","Why", but the always elusive, ever looming question of "WHEN".
But here's one thing I've noticed throughout the entire affair: Look at the protesters. Now it was stated by Right Wing Pundits that these people are out looting and rioting & being influenced by outside agitators. I'm sure that he Chief of Police in Madison had a tough time restoring order BY THANKING THE PROTESTERS FOR NOT TEARING UP THE TOWN; I mean, dear God, such brutal force was needed to crack down on the people!! Oh, the humanity!!!! How dare they show up at the State Capitol, without weapons and ammunition, vitriol, fearmongering, no financial backing, and without any Anti-Obama effigies, AND PROTEST!!!!!! The Tea Party must be furious right about now because as they represent the worst in us, these union and public workers, and the students that accompanied their teachers brought out and demonstrated the best qualities in us.
As for WOH Boehner and his cohorts threatening to shut down the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: Do that, and the Republican Party WILL SUFFER A BLOW THAT IT WILL NOT RECOVER FROM!!! Do that, And Eisenhower's words will haunt you and your party tenfold. Do that, and the ONLY PLACES we will see the GOTP will be in history books and museums.
Why do the republicans let the Koch brothers rule the Untied States ?