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On the eve of a possible government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers and members of the military are at risk of not collecting a paycheck until after Congress reaches a deal to fund the government.
But as of now, the people directly involved in bringing about a shutdown -- members of Congress -- will still continue to receive their pay as scheduled even if scores of other workers are furloughed.
Stand-alone legislation has been proposed -- but not passed in both the House and the Senate -- that would prohibit members of Congress from receiving their pay in the event of a shutdown. Members of Congress make, on average, $174,000 per year.
On March 1, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would bar members of Congress from receiving a paycheck in the event of a federal funding gap. That bill was sent to the House but has not been scheduled for a floor vote.
That has drawn the criticism of sponsors of the Senate legislation, including Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner this week, Boxer told the House leader “you have failed to schedule a vote on stand-alone legislation that would treat Members of Congress and the President no differently from other federal employees during a government shutdown.”
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., announced Thursday that he will return his salary to the U.S. Treasury in case of a shutdown -- and he has urged his colleagues in the Senate to do the same.
Republicans included language similar to Boxer's bill in a measure that passed the House last week, but the no-pay language was attached to a provision which said if the Senate failed to act on passing a budget for the rest of fiscal year 2011, the House GOP budget would be the law of the land.
As expected, Democrats in the Senate declined to pass the overall bill, which would have allowed Republicans' desired $61 billion in total cuts to federal spending.
In an interview with ABC News yesterday, Boehner claimed he favored legislation that would bar member pay in the event of a shutdown.
“No, they shouldn’t be getting paid," he said. "Just like federal employees shouldn’t be getting paid."
But when asked today by NBC News whether or not House Republicans would bring forth a bill that simply contained language prohibiting members of Congress from being paid in the event of a government shutdown without being attached to other measures, Boehner demurred.
“We passed a bill similar to the Senate and we’re hoping they’ll act on it,” he said.
The reality is that the Senate will not act on the House GOP language because it is attached to legislation that would limit its institutional power. So unless a “clean bill” that bans Congress from being paid in the event of shutdown is brought to the House floor before 11:59pm ET on Friday, members of Congress will keep collecting paychecks even as the lights in other federal offices go out.
Msnbc.com's Carrie Dann contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment:
I just saw Missy Cantor on tv and it appears no progress is being made !!! At all ..Our way or no way !
Freudian slip?
I liked 'Missy' much better... lol
Well - if THAT doesn't say it ALL!
Should be interesting who will take up Joe Manchin on his idea...
Not only that, but Boehner lied when he said the House already passed a no pay bill with similar language as the Senate passed unanimously- Wrong Boehner!
The President needs to federalize some National Guard troops, post them around Congressional buildings until they [Congress - Dems, Repubs, Indy] pass a frilling budget.
This is exactly why the Tea Party refuses to compromise--why should it matter to them if government shuts down, they'll still have a paycheck and they really don't give a darn about anybody but themselves.
The Senate Democrats have been signing a petition started by Joe Manchin that if Government shuts down, they will return their checks to the treasury if that's allowed or donate it to charity. Wonder how many GOP/TPers signed it.
Jody, Iowa...I wonder just how many of the DEMOCRATS will return checks. Just because Manchin said he would start a petition, doesn't mean anything. The ACT ITSELF from every one of them (Rep and Dem's) will be something to see.
All I know is, I don't get paid when I don't show up for work, so why should they. Isn't it the law for each individual state to BALANCE their budgets? So why can't Capitol Hill do what it expects others to do. The whole lot of them disgust me.
$60 Billion more than fair. I think all of us (all parties) would be surprised to see the breakdown of expenses that are detailed in the $60 Billion proposed. I would bet my annual salary, these dollars are paying for something that IS NOT NECESSARY! Feed our children, disabled and our seniors. EVERYONE ELSE needs to earn you own keep. If that would happen, I'm sure a large portion of the $60 Billion would be wiped out!
well if congress gets a paycheck then our country really is going to the dogs. i cannot believe that the federal government will shut down and the cause of it will get paid, if i went to work and did not get anything done i would not get paid. if congress gets paid then the american people need to stand up and vote them out!
This is just not right! Whether you agree with Democrats, Republicans, the Tea Party or whatever, I would feel more support for them IF they took on the burden also! How can they justify this maneuver knowing that they are not hurt financially AT ALL! How do they sleep at night?!!!!
Social Security recipients would largely remain unaffected by a shutdown. Medicare and Medicaid checks would also still go out, but new applications and claims will not be processed.
Pelosi..stop your lies!
There is a problem in D.C. that will not be fixed until everyone realizes the people in Washington D.C. in charge of fixing the problem are actually the PROBLEM.
Vote the Incumbents back into office. It seems that has been the best reaction to the mess we are in.
Stupid is as Stupid does.
When will you understand, Congress doesn't need the paychecks. They have written so many perks in legislation for decades. There is so much for them to personally benefit from. They are our royalty. So, you have until the 16th or else, to the gallows ye shall go!
The Tea Partiers are very worried about the soldiers being paid, but they've made sure that THEY will be paid EVEN IF THE SOLDIERS AREN'T.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously on March 1st, but it's been referred to committee in the House - so THEY STILL GET THEIR CHECKS!
If you don't like your Congressman getting paid while he shuts down the rest of the government, please contact the members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:
Oversight and Government Reform 112th Congress Committee Membership
Republicans
Rep. Darrell E. Issa (CA-49), Chairman
Rep. Dan Burton (IN-05)
Rep. John L. Mica (FL-07)
Rep. Todd Platts (PA-19)
Rep. Michael Turner (OH-03)
Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (NC-10)
Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04)
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT-03)
Rep. Connie Mack (FL-14)
Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-7)
Rep. James Lankford (OK-5)
Rep. Justin Amash (MI-3)
Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25)
Dr. Paul Gosar (AZ-1)
Rep. Raul Labrador (ID-1)
Rep. Pat Meehan (PA-7)
Dr. Scott DesJarlais (TN-4)
Rep. Joe Walsh (IL-8)
Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC-4)
Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-12)
Rep. Frank Guinta (NH-1)
Rep. Blake Farenthold (TX-27)
Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-3)
Democrats
Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD-7), Ranking Member
Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY-10)
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.)
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH-10)
Rep. John Tierney (MA-6)
Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-1)
Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-9)
Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5)
Rep. Gerald Connolly (VA-11)
Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5)
Rep. Danny Davis (IL-7)
Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-1)
Rep. Peter Welch (VT-At Large)
Rep. John Yarmuth (KY-3)
Rep. Christoper Murphy (CT-5)
Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-12)
Thanks for looking out for....yourself, GOP!
We should fire the whole lot of them. We need to balance the budget, not keep point fingers at each other. It makes me sick to think congress will keep being paid, when our men and women over seas are protecting our freedom get the short end of the stick.
Julie-401527
You favor a police state to keep members in session until they pass a budget? HMMMMM. Perhaps stand them against a wall too? lol
Why are we all having this discussion with the finger pointing? Let's face it, the Democratic Party is culpable and if Obama wanted to, he could use his position to broker considerations. But he isn't a leader, just a face.
It is time for the Democrats to work with the Republicans and get our nation's budget under control!!!!!
Their spending spree is over and now it is time to pay the piper. American's or most of the responsible ones know you can not live beyond your means for long, and you can not borrow your way out of the mess you create, you must cut all wasteful spending and sometimes sell assets and start living within your means. We need to take care of America and Americans and forget some of the nonsense of helping every rebel in other parts of the world. We don't even know if we are helping our enemies or not. Politicians need to put their noise to the task at hand of solving America's problems!
I personally had hoped Obama would be a better president, but he has failed in so many ways to turn this country around. HE is a good speaker, but a poor leader. When the going gets tough he heads out of town and expects others to take care of what he is suppose to be doing....like leading for a change. With both a majority in congress and senate last year he couldn't be bothered to pass a budget. I hope all Americans realize we can no longer afford such liberal spending congressmen, senators, and president. We need a leader with """"""REAL""""""" backbone and one who can make difficult decisions for America and not for personal political reasons. I care what happens to my children and grandchildren, they deserve better than what they are getting! By the way I am not on social security and I pay my own insurance...just in case some of you liberals think I live off the government...I don't.
safecracker,
No. However I do favor a FUNCTIONING state. Why can't the Senate bill be passed? It has NO riders to it. The House bill has a rider that has forces upon the people a stated budget that HASN'T been voted on.
Now which is a police state?
I'm getting fed up with these POS' politicians (Dems, Repubs, Indy, Libertarians, communists, etc) playing "politics." What is so damn hard about doing your job? Maybe we should have a democratic uprising here in the US.
I find it kind of funny that everyone blames the republicans for the budget mess, they ran on cutting spending and were voted in, and now they are trying to deliver on there promises. Fancy that deliver on a promise, almost an oxymoron for politicians of either party. Anyway we would not be in this mess if the Democrats had presented a budget last year as they are required to because they had the votes to pass the budget. What is their reason for not presenting a budget and why did not President Obama step in and demand a budget. Elections maybe. Even the lame duck session of Congress could have passed a budget but they didn't. Why? Can anyone formulate a logical reason why the democrats did not present a budget last year. Now Chuck Schumer is caught on a phone call formulating a plan to blame the tea party (extreme) for this. Again seems like he got busted on this. Now Congressman Ryan presents the 2012 budget plan for review and immediately Nancy Pelosi screams, he is taking away food from seniors. I don't know how she could possibly know anything since this a plan not policy and subject to review by all to change things in. Plus Don't we have to pass the legislation before we know what is in it, I believe that was Nancy Pelosi on the Health Care bill. Does anyone find any hypocrisy in that. Just asking.
So........Congress is saying that my husband that is OVERSEAS fighting for this country and providing for his family (which is more than I can say that Congress is actually doing) will not get paid. If that isn't some bull crap stuck up some donkey's a@$. Then I don't know what is! What do they expect the families stateside to do? Sit back and do without groceries, electricity and NO PHONE (which is the ONLY way my Marine can call and talk to me and his 3 kids)? Here WE are the family (which we ARE SERVING our country too) having to do without, cause we all know that military doesn't get paid all that great in the first place, while Congress gets to sit back and say "oh well, I f*&%ed up but hey, I still get paid and don't have to live in a combat zone where I fear for my life everyday".
SO PLEASE TELL ME, IM BEGGING FOR ANSWERS! WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?
Kind of like how Obama delivered on his promise to reform healthcare? He ran on that, too. Where's the admiration?
What cracks me up is that the Republicans in the House can't submit a bill without riders on it. They talk about cutting and then numerous Republican governors want to know where their pork is. A rep from the right (if I wasn't so tired I could remember his name) stated that the money his state was getting was a grant, so couldn't be called pork. It's all tax money no matter what he calls it. The right is screaming about respecting our folks in the armed services, but strips disabled, homeless vets of money for housing. What, they're okay as long as they're getting shot at, but once they get hurt and come home, we kick them to the curb? While I agree that the Democrats should have been on top of the budget work last year to save some of the horse manure that's going on this year, they are a heck of a lot more honest than the Republicans when it comes to the current process. And how slick of the House to pass a resolution that they wouldn't get paid for as long as it takes to pass the budget, without making sure that we the people understood that if it didn't get passed, that the House budget would be the law of the land. Did they really think the rest of us are so stupid we wouldn't notice? What an insult.
Off course they will get paid.. they should take their asses and swap with all the government employees who don't have the luxury of making 174,000 a year who have families to take care of...or better yet put them in a war zone and offer to not give them a paycheck... Men and women are defending this country while these idiots are sitting on their comfy chairs acting like juveniles and getting paid
@Julie,
I agree that this budget mess, and it is a Democratic mess since they chose NOT to pass a budget last year, can be accomplished this session without a shut-down of services. And this drama will probably be avoided prior to the deadline. Time to end this political drama.
This nation is so polarized by party that I agree with you, it is time to have the third American revolution, vote out the current regal bums, and replace them with people who care about Americans and not for party and personal gain. But, the lambs will follow their current wolf and vote them in again. Time to have term limits for politicians, consider a part-time legislature perhaps - they can't seem to accomplish anything anyway, and consoladate government to reduce cost.
Do we actually require the many departments and agencies we currently have? Could similar functions be merged into one collective group to perform activities more effectively? Do we really require non-vetted Tsars to run rampent without accountability, developing policy? Staff size - reduce while also reducing budgets for current legislators and staff.
Our current group of elitists don't seem to be accountable for much. And the leaders of the various committees are the same people who polarize government in the past.
But I dream.......power is the blood of the politicians, and they would NOT pass any legislation that would hamper their ability to retain power.
We are doomed as a nation until we remove the current crop of boobs, replacing them with proactive legislators who desire to fix the issues we currently have in government.
Yes, I am cynical and I also expect this post to be collasped quickly. Remove opposing discussion is the lifeblood of this liberal site.
Sorry for the typo i ment Mister.....lol
Maybe you meant to say "Massa" ?
I got your Massa swinging! all you lefties must hate this...LOL
It's coming back and bit you in the A**. LOL
The Entire Congress Gets Paid. Dems Voted That Congress would not get paid, a Whopping $176,000 but Republicans voted against that measure all th while making sure they take the paychecks and services from those in need families on the brink, while they toast champagne and celebrate in an attempt to "Settle 40yrs of Cultural Issues" on the backs of this country's working, Old, Sick and the Poor. Shameful
Well, now isn't that surprising, Replicans not giving a hoot about middle Americans trying to stay afloat in this mess. Aren't they way past high school age?
Stop lying.The Vets and people getting Social Security will get their pay check as like nothing happened.
The truth will set you free, unless you are a lefty. Lying is your way of life.
Active military have already received notice that in case of a shutdown, they will not get their next paycheck.
TO: JUNE, FL-------
oh my...where do you think your President has been this week? Do you know? He hasn't been on Capital Hill demanding these yahoo's (all parties) do it and do it now!
Some Commandor and Chief we have ... man oh man. Golf and Campaigning....geeeez
The military will get 1 week now and back pay for the other week once a budget is passed. No one is really going to loss pay, they just have to wait until the budget is passed for the back pay owed them. Guess the families will all be at the chow halls...yummy!
Lefties never lye!!! Their point of view is the only point of view so it cannot be a lye. Ask a lefty and they will tell you there is only one side to a story, THEIRS. To bad I was raised to believe there is more then one side to every story.
goTeaParty,
Which "chow hall" is the mother with small children, and whose reservist or National Gaurd husband in in Afghanistan, supposed to go to? And where does her rent or mortgage payment come from? Will she lose the family home, while you celebrate? How very patriotic...
How typical: day late, day short, and an "I don't give a damn attitude".
Meanwhile, we can only hope that some can support those really sacrificing.
With MSNBC and the majority of followers, there is only one view. MSNBC can always twist facts to show Democrats as the angels.
I say if there is a shut down and Congress gets paid, the American people need to get to the street and picket until they return their pay. It is irresponsible for them to drag out reaching an agreement while the rest of the people are bearing the cost of their stupidity. I wonder what's the point of electing these folks if all they're gonna do is watch out for their own skin. Who's watching out for the rest of us, the PEOPLE, who elected them?
Any military families impacted can apply to their respective services emergency relief fund - which is typically a non-profit and used for situations just like this..... just not normally on this scale. And you know what - if it comes down to it - I'll help any of our local families in trouble. Having served my 20 years and also being disabled makes no difference - If I have and they have not then I have no problem helping..... how about the rest of you?
DON9876543: This is why I don't like any party. They all lie, they all twist truths to suit their agendas.
I wish people would read about the John Birch Society and realize that the Tea Baggers' game plan is the same. This country is going to implode compliments of the middle class.
goTeaParty, families aren't authorized to eat in Mess Halls except for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals which have to be paid for. Contrary to popular belief, everything isn't free to the military. We even pay taxes and social security just like you!
Thank you for your service Philip. Be safe in harm's way.
Whats the definition of a "lefty " today?? Someone who works for a living. Someone who believes illegal alien employers should be jailed. Someone who believes tax cuts to the rich should REQUIRE INVESTMENT back to the UNITED STATES, NOT CHINA. Someone who wonders how the Rightists , call them selves rightists, while supporting the largest . most DANGEROUS , COMMUNIST state in the world. I guess , the answer is a word called profit. The Rightists of today are the Benedict Arnold's of yesterday. It's all about the money (ME!!!). Our country is being killed by greed.
I agree with Scar. The folks of the "right" are certainly free with the name calling and hypocrisy. I would probably be lumped in with the lefties, although in some things I'm conservative. Like many who share my opinions, I've worked hard and long, paid my taxes, voted and served on a jury. All the things required of a citizen of a democracy. But when we don't lie down for the willfully ignorant, all of sudden half the country is the enemy.
I've got suspicion. Remember the meeting the House Republicans had with the Koch brothers? The CLOSED meeting that no one else could go to? No one was allowed to talk to the press, and all materials at the meeting were handled very carefully so that no one would get information. Then all of a sudden the Republicans refuse to pass a budget without some pretty particular riders? They talk about the financial future of our children and grandchildren, but with the EPA stripped of the funds to do the work the Supreme Court said was their responsibility, the air and water can be filthy. Just so that polluters (the Koch brothers among them) can make some more money now and fatten their nest.
Larry the cable guy says, "Git'er done." Tea Partiers are saying, "Close'er down". And Boehner is with the Tea Partiers.
Maybe the idiots should had passed the budget last FY, then this wouldn't be an issue.
1776 , 1995 - What's the dif? They all live in the past. Yesterday they're a fake copy of a patriot. Today, a Gingrich wannabe. Another screwball.
Think Progress:
“Gingrich and Dole are offering the funding and higher-debt bills but have loaded them with ‘riders’ such as the Medicare bill that the president won’t accept and with other items such as limits on appeals by death-row inmates. [Denver Post, 11/15/95]
“One of the largest spending bills, for the Commerce, Justice and State Departments, is still being negotiated because it has riders on social issues like school prayer. The spending bill for the District of Columbia has been bogged down over a provision to bar Federal money to pay for abortions in the District and would prohibit public hospitals and clinics from offering abortion services.” [New York Times, 11/29/95]
“Congress has been unable to send any bill to the president because of the excessive number of anti-environmental riders.” [U.S. Newswire, 12/8/95]
________________________________
The funding bill passed by the Republican-controlled House contains more than 80 unrelated policy riders on issues, from abortion to net neutrality to environmental regulations. You can check them out here.
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) has urged his party to drop the policy riders so that a government shutdown can be avoided. Yesterday, Coburn said “And my recommendation to my friends in the House is, you know, it’s highly unlikely many riders are going to get passed…so why don’t you take the spending [cuts] and let’s get on to the budget.”
Pat,
I had more respect for you when you weren't cutting & pasting the leftist papers and were speaking with your own mind and heart.
BigBear, I don't care if you respect me or not. I want people to see what the GOP is doing. This "leftist" site is important. They research their work and it is 100% factual.
This is information you will not get in the MSM or cable programs, other than prime time MSNBC. It is important information.
Pat: Looks like what I have been saying all along: the moral majority (which was neither) was just repackaged as the "Tea Party Express" and it is still the fundamentalist conservatives taking over what used to be the Grand Old Party.
The real Republicans should throw these nuts under the bus and get on with governing.
Think Progress? LOL, ok
3wolves,
The GOP blocked all budget related legislation last year. It's their fault.
They did? Post the source?
2 words..........TERM LIMITS
2 terms in office and you're out. Getting elected to congress is not a lifelong career.
@PaulG3: one word: "VOTE!!!!!"
I do vote and I agree with not only term limits but a cap on Congressional pension and benefits packages. I have to serve 20 years to get half pay. These guys go one term and get benefits for life.
Thomas Payne wrote in "Common Sense" that representatives shouldn't make a career out of being a respresentative because they would lose touch with their constituents. Which I believe has happened in both party leaderships.
Getting elected to congress is not a lifelong career. Why not??? Going on welfare is a lifelong career. Of corse it keeps people in their place so they do non compete in the job market and get ahead in life. WELLFARE nothing more then a form of slavery. Politicians nothing but a bunch of power hungry kying IDIOTS
Social Security recipients would largely remain unaffected by a shutdown. Medicare and Medicaid checks would also still go out, but new applications and claims will not be processed.
All you lefties have got no respect for your ownselves. The only thing you got is lies and more lies.
The truth is something strange that does not exist in your world.
Many of us disagree with Pat's claims that all leftists writings are 100% factual. I have read some awful ridiculous stuff from liberals.
Last thing I remember was that in 2010, republicans were setting filibuster records... I remember jobs bills getting filbustered, the budget getting filibustered, filibuster after filibuster.
Also, just to point out, that the tax-cuts-to-the-rich issues in the lame-duck proved their stance that they love themselves and their money much more than the average American.
Pat,
dirp thanks for the compliment on my post a day or so ago. Would have responded but I had to take my wife to a dr appt at Loma Linda. I appreciate you not calling me right wing nut job. I really try to balance, and like you I dislike the negativity both ways. Wonder if it is possible for us the people to figure a solution to the nation's problems, it is obvious that neither party is really interested in anything but themselves. By the way it should make those on the left happy that FOX is getting rid of Beck.
MikeT, they don't get benefits for life. They get the same benefits that any Federal employee gets while serving and their retirement plan is the same as well, and that does not include healthcare.
3wolves-check out newsjunkiepost.com/.../republican-obstruction-at-work-record-number-of-filibusters/.
it covers the record number of filibusters led by the minority republicans in 2010. when i googled republican filibusters i ran in to a large number of hits on the subject.
It has become apparent that both major political parties and their respective machines have reached their dotage. That's a polite word that means they have aged beyond their usefulness and are now concerned with their own survival regardless of the harm they do. A lot has been said about the Republican Party being in its death throes. This two percent difference in the budget is not about the solvency of the country, or even its benefit. It is strictly about who is going to occupy the White House and Congress after 2012. If Americans could see this, and were willing to act on this misbehavior by the government, neither party would exist after this exercise in megalomania. The Democratic party is no better, or worse than the Republican Party. They both lie to achieve power, they both abuse power once gained, and are currently behaving in a manner that would make most schoolyard spats seem mature in nature. But these are not schoolyard spats. Power and history making events are at stake, and both parties should retire from the field, and fade into the footnotes of history as a bad joke. Americans will tire of their antics, and the consequences. Within the framework of the Constitution, both parties are treading treasonous waters and accountability should be demanded. If we do not provide correction to those parties now, we need to do so in 2012.
Agreed but we have to start with common sense rules and these people in Congress that we decry are the people making the rules. Its a bad paradox.
Even as we speak congressional districts all around the country are being re-drawn to ensure that the encumbant party keeps their seats. This si happening at the local level and goes all the way to the top.
I used to laugh when I saw video of the British Government arguing with each other in their halls. We are no better...
Pablo, not in Iowa. Iowa has a nonpartisan redistricting board; the legislature can only approve or disapprove or request another try up to 3. The first map looks like the two republican representatives will be affected. No matter how they redraw the maps, it's the red part of the state that is losing population--up where Steve King is, the Tea Party part of Iowa.
Jody,
As a former Iowan, I would like to agree. But, I see the map just getting sent back time and again, until it is "correct". Plus, remember that redistricting can also change political dynamics by splitting power blocks and adhering them to larger countervening populations. Think splitting Des Moines, the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids or Waterloo in two and attaching to surrounding rural counties. Incumbent still has a district, but little chance of re-election.
I am new to these type of open forums, the rules appear to be: belittle, demonize, or stereotype people who for, who knows why they would, disagree with you; or have a different perspective than you; mayber born a little whiter, redder, blacker; later or earlier than you, perhaps it's because you've sufferer more or less...mayber you are a bit more jewish'er, woman'er, man'er, sadder, happier, lovelier, uglier, tanner, shorter, taller; or maybe it's that oldest of battle strategies...divide and conquor. Some of us still bask in being the first of th family to go to college. Maybe us common folks thank GOD and not apologize for needing His wisdom during times like these. I thank Him for my children and grand children; my wife of 33 years; my sisters and brothers, an especially my MOTHER. When overseas I've been embarrassed to speak about my nation's leaders. I understand that I can't believe all I hear and see. For generations blacks were "scientifically" considered inferior to whites. I've read articles from the 1800's wriiten by an English chap, he remarked that Negroes enjoyed slavery, why else would they sing such spirit inspiring songs. United we stand, divided we fall. What the USA really needs..."its love sweet love, that's the one thing that theres just to little of..."
I think they all have too many aides as well.. the entire Congressional entity needs to be down-sized to meet the new realities of the economic environment.
And their work-schedule is not based on reality. Congress was out for 2-weeks in March. My kids in college only get 1 week for Spring Break.
Where are these common sense cuts amoung our new budget proposals?
Remember back around the holidays, remember when the media went totally nuts because "Obama was getting things done" during the lame duck session of Congress? So how is that treaty with Russia helping you when you fill up at the gas pump? So how does DADT help you pay for your groceries?
Barack "Mr. Bi-Partisan" Obama. Looks like those days are gone.
JoAnna: it is obvious that you just don't get it. Read post #5. If you actually believe that the republicans are the salvation of America, you are seriously misguided. I'm certainly not saying that the democrats are any better, but neither are they any worse. You can argue that all you want but the reality is there, right in front of you. Just take of the blinders and see.
And unless both parties are overhauled, completely rebuilt and unless we impose term limits and unless we impose campaign finance reform and unless we impose the banning of lobbyists we will see the dismantling of America by those who serve only themselves.
It's time to send a clear Message to the Republicans & The Tea Party that these games will not be allowed to continue in an attempt to frighten hurting American Families while they collect $176,000 Salaries and "Bash" how bad the Government yet they are first at the troft to collect. It's called a "VETO" Now.
Republicans ran on Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and as soon as the Ballots were counted they went back to "Business as Usual with the fight on their Cultural Wars including Deregulation and their Wish list for the Rich and Corporations.
American families are hurting all over this country by the Millions still out of work nothing's changed since the Republicans lied their way into office which many of us are very ashamed, once again they proved they have no intention of representing anyone other than the Rich & Corporations.
Not one action in the congress by Republicans have addressed their Jobs message. Yet they play mind games saying "Slashing the Budget" will create jobs. What school did they go to? Republicans also do not understand the concept of "debits & Credits"
To enforce their "New World Order Agenda, the Rich & The Poor, Republicans keep telling Americans that "Tax Cuts" will raise "Revenue" the biggest lie in the world. The amazing part is some Americans actually don't get it.
Since coming into office Republicans in every State their Governors and the Republicans in the House have done every thing they can to break the back of the Old, The Sick Old People, Poor People & The Middle Class. They took Workers rights knowing they were setting an agenda for the U.S. to turn our country over to the Wealthy for "Cheap Wages" and that definitely creates jobs, and definitely will ensure that American families can't afford to take care of their own families.
Our Congress is about Payola, period. It's time to make decisions and vote those out that even Stand By and let this country be taken on for Class Issues
Democrats in the Congress should be replaced by the Democrats of Wisconsin and Ohio, especiall Wisconsin. They stoodl up for the People they did not let the Republicans constantly bluff them into agreeing to legislation that they knew would cripple their citizens.
What Democrat will stand up against this Republican Agenda? Will you Mr. President?
The time is now, not tomorrow now, Veto the Bill but better yet Democrats finally Stand up for something stand up for the people who put you in office, stand for those that voted for Republicans that now have your back if you choose to stand up, Stand Up, Stand Up
No Negotitations, peiord.
Hate to break it to you June,
But since the GOP took over the Unemployment rate in this country has dropped almost a percentage point, and even today, Pat was posting that this weeks new filings were down, from MSN, meaning fewer people were being laid off.
And running and hiding like those wimpy democrats in Wisconsin is not standing up for the people, it is running and hiding, not doing the job they were elected to do.
Were screaming and crying foul when Pelosi & Reid were shoving the 111th congress down the American people's throat. Gotta love how they went out and over spent a trillion dollars year, and still didn't pass a budget for this year--when they had the numbers.
It is not about the wealthy with the democrats, it is about keeping people in a "nanny state" so they can tell you what to do and how to vote. And you all think the tea party members follow the ram like little sheep. Worried your government check won't get to you, so blame those that work and pay too much in taxes.
Since the Republicans took over the House, lightning has struck the tree behind my house twice.
Wanna give them credit for that too?
You think winning the House in in November has resulting in private companies all saying in unision "Now we can hire Americans!"
You really think that ?
What clarity has the new House membership bought to business? If there has been any clarity, it has been to outline that if you work for NPR, Planned Parenthood or are a part of a public service union - your job may be in jeapordy. That's LESS jobs - not more.
"Hands his eye-glasses over to the BigBear so he can see clearly" (smile)
Move your bug zapper. That should solve the problem with the tree. It's just a jealousy problem between two sources of power...allegorical?
I am shocked that not a single journalist or news organization has addressed the consequences of shutting down the Veterans Administration and all their medical clinics. How many disabled veterans are there? How many PTSD mentally hurting people will not be able to make it without making it to their meetings and appointments. How about all us Vietnam Veterans, Korean War Veterans, and WWII Veterans that are hurting and need their medications. How about all those who are retired military who worked all their lives and receive such a small retirement who will not be unable to pay their rent or have enough food. How about all those wounded who receive disability pay because they are now unable to find employment because of their service related injuries? How many are there of these types of people, how much have they already given to this country and how now is the government going to treat them during a government shutdown?
Just how do figure that the reduction in unemployment is directly and solely related to the Republicans? What specifically have they done in the past few months to bring this about?
Recovery from recession is slow - - it has been in process for some time. The near collapse of the economy began BEFORE Obama took office. We are now just beginning to see the results of policies put in place and actions over that time by TWO Presidents and TWO Congresses.
Funny how a "recovery" is attributed to the "R's" and "downturns" are attributed to the "D's". What a myopic perspective.
So what else is New? Throw the Bums Out! Dems & Repubs.
We could ask "what have republicans done the last two years?" They want credit for job creation but they voted AGAINST every democratic piece of legislation to create jobs. The GOP/TP gets ZERO credit for anything other than knowing how to say "no" and failure to understand that "compromise" means both sides give.
If there is any truth BigBear about the unemployment rate decreasing because of republican wins in the last election it is because Big Business knows that the republicans favor business over workers anytime, anywhere.
Pete,
The VA hospital system SHOULD largely fall in to the exempted "essential" worker class. What probably will be affected is new patient intake, non essential building maintenance and improvements, accounting, etc. Hopefully, PTSD will be included in the vital services, along with brain injury diagnosis.
Actually, I think they kind of ran on an agenda of cutting spending and less govt.
Pete, the VA won't be affected nor will any retiree benefits.
I wonder if the House Dems proposed the same spending as HR-1, without all the riders to prohibit the use of funds for everything from NPR to Gauantanamo Bay, would the House Republicans vote for it ?
But the rethugs are for it before they are against it but then against before they are for it.......All they are concerned about is their sugard daddies in big (small) business and forget everyone else. Their solution is no tax for the rich but tax those that are not well off ---- They should be called Robbing Hoods!
dirp,
In any negotiation, the first side should never offer the bottom-line. The other side will always seek a lot more, hoping to settle for most of it. In this battle, the fight is not about the money. Both sides would have us think that it is, but it is really about political advantage. All the riders proposed by the Republicans are flags or talking points of the conservative/Tea Party segment of their party.
That said. Had the Democrats presented the bill you propose, the Republicans would NOT accept it. Acceptance would give them NO political points to take to the people, or maore importantly, their people. Unfortunately, the same criticism would apply were the same situtation reversed.
Off Topic
Author Unknown
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of @!$%# by the clean end."
It's nice to know my brother won't be getting paid after Friday just because he had the dumb luck to decide to serve his nation in an altruistic way - by joining the armed services.
How many of these @!$%#-wads on Capitol Hill do we need to shoot dead until enough funds are freed up for him to be able to buy groceries for himself and my one-year-old niece?
ED: Start with Boehner, Cantor & work your way through, until the Dems have a majority again. ;-}
PS, thank your brother for his service.
ED, you just committed a crime! I wonder if FR has the nads to turn you in.
dirp, I don't think those you mentioned are the only ones that would have to worry....there's a few on the other side of the aisle as well.
Fed-shutdown tonite! I guess that's when State Guvs takeover delivering the mail and inspecting food safety, etc., except Ohio & Wisconsin, you don't get to use union-employees! I'm just saying...
sorry redundancy dept of redundundancy...
"Republicans also do not understand the concept of "debits & Credits"
But I do as a bookeeper all my life and the wife of a small business owner who closed the doors. Your debit column can't keep growing and the credit not. The American people want smaller gov't and Dems aren't for it. All they've done is spend, spend, spend. Let it shut down for as long as it takes. Washington has become a great big playground for a bunch of spoiled brats, who want to play ball their way! We are the ones who are getting screwed! Let the gov shut down! Heck the POTUS keeps saying sacrifice sacrifice! If that means people go without till the job gets done, that's what it means. We constituents are reading and researching what all this means. We know! We can't be snowed any longer.
I am interested in what jobs you are willing to have go undone - police, firemen, teachers, food safety inspectors, veterans hospital doctors and nurses, road upkeep and construction, school bus drivers, school cooks, clean water and air engineers. I want these services and I understand that the people that do them deserve to be paid. There is no way that an individual can receive these services, that is one of the purposes of government - to secure for all of us the services we would be unable to do alone.
I would remind you that the government had a surplus when President Bush took office. The source of the problem does not originate with this President.
Sadly people will sacrifice but it wont be the people playing games in DC.
You really need to check out your history and look at the growth of government under Reagan, GHW Bush and GW Bush. It's not a pretty sight when you take off the blinders.
Nancy,
I can help fix your dilemma.. By a gun, don't play with matches, give your kid a book (not like the schools are teaching them above working class levels, they don't want them to smart -- harder to control that way), plant a garden. As for the rest, if you never go a mile away from you home; why would you need them.
But then again, we could all just go on public assistance and let our masters... the wealthy and rich.. take care of us. Then we won't have to worry about all that. No car-no driving. No books-no knowledge. But you will have a job-working their garden, so they can eat.
As for the govt. surplus.. never existed - never will. When you control the movement of money.. you can make people see what you want them to see.
Cookie - well, don't you think that MAYBE we should do SOMETHING to grow the CREDIT column (you know, revenues)?? By giving away the store (pun intended) by NOT raising revenues, what do you think will happen?
No amount of cutting will do ANY good unless there is a BALANCE of revenues vs. cuts when trying to deal with deficits or even balancing the budget.
Too bad America is going to find out the hard way.
@Nancy-607557 Your comment about the source of the problem is pretty much the same as saying "The problem does not originate with this rapist, somebody else had already molested the victims." Sadly, you probably don't understand that the origin of a violation does NOT justify CONTINUING TO DO IT, much less actually INTENSIFYING the violation!!!!!!! :-(
Nancy, not a SINGLE item you mentioned has anything to do with Federal services that would be shut down. Those are all local and state issues.
That surplus was created via some wonderful things such as NAFTA. Also, I'm betting that not a single person sent back those checks for having children that President Bush pushed through. All of those things that you mentioned are services we want which means we have to pay. But at some point in time we have to make some hard decisions because as we've seen, the books don't balance. I saw a statistic earlier today that of the 85million returns received by the IRS 72million were getting a refund. The average refund is $3000. Maybe if we all "just said no" to tax refunds some of the problem would be solved.
Philip.
The USDA has everything to do with food inspections, and they are Federal. Veterans hospitals are Federal. Plenty of police departments depend on Federal money for equipment and special operations. And I've never seen a $3000 refund. Most I ever got was something over $800.
Veteran's hospitals draw from a different pot of money. I didn't say everyone got a $3000 refund; the avg refund is $3000. Shutting the Federal govt down is not going to affect local law enforcement. The only way that will happen is the Congress chooses to cut them from the budget. I will grant you the USDA. I failed to pay attention.
Oh, one more thing about the Vets and USDA. Those types of operations, since they fall under the realm of healthcare and safety, won't be shutdowm. It's kind of like the national parks. They won't be open for business but the security will still be there.
Republicans play a game that even Ray Charles can see. They begin immediatlely including their 40yr Cutural Wish List & Begin the Budget Cuts with $30,000 knowing they plan to move the ball and that the Dems and the Administration will bite the apple. Once the Democrats bite the $30,000 they move the ball to $70,000 and scream about "We Promised The American People" Don't you love that line. Republicans "Ignore the Polls" representing the American people saying a loud "No, No. They are very skillful at hiding the "truth and looking the American people in the eye and "lying" about what they are up to, their real aganda.
Dems are mute, won't reveal the Cutural issues" why? They have seen the polls, the American People Have your Back what's the issue
Republicans got so much encouragement from the deafining silence from the Dems, they said, let's reveal our real agenda, we have the American people, the Admin and the Dems on the ropes, so they decided to take a no holes barred approach "Introduced their Plan to Simply "Eliminate Medicare"
Most important in addition to Killing GrandMa, GrandPa, the kids and the sick, and anyone who cannot afford Private Insurance, which by the way will replace Medicare, you'll be given a Vochure that will take you where it takes you! If you don't make it, sorry.....................................
Republicans accused Democrats of Killing Grandma all the while knowing that they actually "Planned to do just that including GrandMa's sopuse and the kids and the grands.
Teaparty is standing behind and along side the Republicans daring them to breathe, daring them to not follow through on their wish list, only after they ran to the government to get the Taxpayers to pay their families $176,000. All the while saying GOvernment "Bad" Salary Good" and dising the taxpayers who's taking care of their families
America how did we get to this point? It's time to read the real issues, stop depending on anyone or media to tell you what's going on in this country. We have 20 who will no matter what always agree with the Teaparty & Republicans perhaps a little more, but those of us who know this is wrong changed our support group, get it?
Americans work hard, Not one Job issue has been addressed by the Republicans who used you the American People to get elected for Jobs, Jobs, Jobs knowing it was a lie.
There are more than 19 Cutural Admendments, so called Policy Riders Attached to the budget bill with the Republicans trying to "Go around the Government Rules & Regulations" to get what they have wanted for years.
Whether you are Democrat portant than your family being second, God first.
Wisconsin has proven this affects us all regardless of party, these Republicans will stop at nothing to pave the way for the "Rich & Corporations, with Loopholes in taxes, giving them Tax Cuts after they Severly Cut Middle Class Salaries, Reduce the Old People, Sick Peopple and the Poor's way of life as little as it is.
Wisconsin taught us those Legislative changes were never about the "Budget" and it's not now, it's about changing America through the eyes of the Republicans & The Teaparty. They have no morals, no ethics, they don't play by the rules, right now they are subverting the rules to push through Abortion, Shutdown the EPA which will affect regular Americans in so many ways.
Last but not least, Stand UP Mr. President, we are tired, Repubicans are not going to change their stripes, Stand up Democrats, Stand Up Harry Reid, Stand Up Pelosi, it's time time to send a message, No More.....................................................
Veto this and get it done!
I wasted time reading this mindless rant. You have no idea what you are talking about.
Compromise ALL of you idiots!! Otherwise, no pay for the senators and representatives and their toadies, I mean, assistants. AND that pay should not be banked away for them when an agreement if finally met. It's time to get tough on these clowns. We need them to work together. Not one side dictating to the other or vise-versa. No working government, no pay!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, so now these slime balls have ethical concerns - they never did before!
Cookie...lol. Do you really believe that Republicans stand for and want to stop spending and balance budgets? Are you serious? Who do you think would pay for all the intrusive laws they want passed or the tax cuts for corporations they desperately want to see enacted? Oh really, who is being snowed? Say one thing...do another. Sure both sides do that, but seriously who voted them in to get them to waste time and money on restrictive abortion bills that will restrict rights and cost a fortune? Who wants to monitor each woman and wants to give big tax cuts to big business, and who insisted on extending the low taxes for high income people and on and on and on.
I agree there are spoiled brats there, but seriously you are listening to what they say to get elected and not watching what they do..lol. Smaller government? Reducing the deficit? Lol...and yes, I am a small business owner too. I'm sorry your business closed, but it wasn't the Democrats' doing. Really it wasn't.
First off, only time i mentioned Repub was the quote. I said "Americans" not Repub. Second, when the POTUS, says there were xxx # of jobs added and it's all Gov't (last year), that's not smaller gov't. Third, I particularly don't like the fact that one Co (GE) has all the govt's new biz and inititatives. Did your co get a shot at anything? huh? If it did, great! Do you like the fact that some BIG CORP gets all the perks and tax breaks, and his nose up POTUS' butte? Huh? Do you? You can scream about Repubs all you want, not a one of them cares about us! It's about their jobs and that's it. And it's a shame that is what our DEMOCRACY has come to!
And where did you get the idea we closed our business and blame the Dems? Yes it was slow, but my husband @ 56 got 3 great job offers to afford me retirement. I call it planning, running your business right and making the right decisions @ the right time.
Cookie,
Just to correct an issue, the vast majority of federal "hires" last year were mandated by the Constitution. In business terms, the afore-mentioned Law-of-the-Land mandates that the USA inventory its citizenry every ten years for the purposes of apportioning the Congress. To this has been added further apolitical collection of data concerning income, life-style and social information for future policy formation. Just as a business must conduct an audit and an inventory from time to time, our government must do so every ten years. Census hiring of part-time, temporary employees was less than 0.1% of the population for a period of about 120days. And, the end of the census work marked an increase in the unemployment rate.
If you are so opposed to this BIG government program, which dates back to pre-Biblical time, why not campaign for a change to the Constitution?
Not talking Census Bill; the IRS hirees who will be looking @ our tax returns for the ins premiums. The ones who will be levyiong the fines for no insurance; the ones who are needed to go over all those 1099's that all business people will be required to file.
cookie- the President agreed the 1099's have to go for the vendors that get over $600. And the Republicans must have figured out how the IRS is going to be funded to audit all those women who have abortions to make sure they didn't use Federal funds.
Stop congress & senate's payroll 1st.. They want to be responsible, they want to call the shots, and we're not getting what we're paying for, run them off..
We'll call you when we need you.. Thanks
While its all well and good to debate who's right or wrong, Congress is going to screw over the peple they depend on because they won't do their job. Do my husband and his fellow soldiers get to come home and sit on their butts since they're not getting paid? Nope they still have to put their lives on the line while worrying about how they're families are getting by. They seem to have forgotten that they're are messing with people's lives while they're pissing away precious time
Its not the same as money to pay bills, but I thank you for your sacrifice, and your husbands for putting his life on the line for me and the rest of the free world. I wish Washington saw our soldiers as I do.
Yes, I agree with what you say completely! I also think that soldiers lifes are even more at stake because of all of this. They will be more concerned and distracted by worrying about their families than doing their job. I have many family members in the military (national guards, marines, air force, and army). I know they are worried that their family won't have food and have to money to support themselves while they (the soldiers) are protecting this country.
And it's not just the soldiers but all employees that will get kicked in the teeth. I'm fortunate as a soldier and in a school right now but 90% of our instructors are civilians which means if they're not at work on Monday there's about 1500 soldiers sitting around doing nothing constructive. They say that we won't lose pay; it will just be delayed. My landlord is not going to understand that concept.
And it is ridiculous and offensive to think that if THEY insist on shutting down the government THEY would be paid while those who can't afford to live as it is won't. There will be health insurance payments missed and insurance lost, homes lost (and I don't mean the big ones...I mean regular ones or apartments), jobs lost when cars are repossessed...oh, but they won't suffer since they will have their insurance and cars, homes...and who isn't wanting to have wages lost?
Who has wanted to more time off and payment for it? If I don't work my business closes and if many workers don't work they get no pay. If the Congress needs extra weeks off they get a pay cut...spoiled indeed.
the last 20 years in this country have been a night mare. i erase the whole thing , like chalk , nafta , hmo , wars , multi culturalisim , latinos , illegals , debt , globalisim , outsourcing. all of it just take......scoop it up throw it in the garbadge. close the lid.....and take the last 20 years. and throw it out with the garbadge....go back to '88 and reverse undo every single national. govermental ,political , legal , labor , business thing that occured. im not even kidding.....and just start all over again. write of the last 20...like a bad idea. i'd be willing to just start allover from '88. if everybody else would. Just review everything from '88 on. ..............just start the F all over again.....we be better off just. admitting ....and starting over.
Boehner should ram a bill through TODAY that mandates that Congress give up their paychecks in the event of a government shutdown. The Senate passed it unanimously.
Republican apparently are willing to do great harm to this country and its citizens as they do the bidding of their corporate masters.
It's verysimple, javadanny, they are ...
The Party of Harm.
just write it off like a loss the last 20. and start all over from scratch. i should start a movement lloll.....erase the last 20 movement. lllolll.......really man. id be willing if everybody be willing just to admit the last 20 has been a night mare. and just stop go back to like '88 '89 some point? where this night mare started. and just start the F over from there. no ill feeling no blame.......just start allover. Repeal nafta ...repeal everything.....and get these bastards out of this country. dump the mid east leave them alone. and end gloablisim and get our jobs back. and throw everybody the hell out of here. And like i said go back to 88 last time this place made any sense.