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Subscribe to RSSIt's possible the Senate may come into session next week, a week they are scheduled to be on recess for Fourth of July. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will meet with the Democratic caucus this afternoon at 4:30 pm ET to take the temperature of members.
The caucus meeting was previously scheduled by Democratic leadership to readout their meeting with the president this afternoon and bring the members up to speed on the deficit negotiations.
The aide said the sentiment by some senators to stay in Washington during recess was a direct result of President Obama's criticism at the press conference today.
And in a few minutes, several conservative Republicans senators, including Jim DeMint, Kelly Ayotte, Tom Coburn, Ron Johnson, Rand Paul, Jeff Sessions, and Mike Lee, are about to hold a news conference, objecting to recess next week.
All this comes on the heels of President Obama’s news conference today, where he said this: "If by the end of this week, we have not seen substantial progress, then I think members of Congress need to understand we are going to start having to cancel things and stay here until we get it done. You know? They're in one week; they're out one week. And then, they're saying, Obama's got to step in it. You need to be here. I've been here."
So as the Aug. 2nd deadline approaches, where does everything stand?
No one sees any progress or movement. Because of that, Senate leadership aides -- Republican and Democratic – said one way forward could be a short-term deal, maybe something like seven months because of the amount they think they can agree on -- about $1 trillion.
But that appears to be a non-starter on the House side with Boehner-Cantor. Cantor does not want two votes. Boehner sees this as the time to act.
"This is the moment," Boehner aide Michael Steel said, "no reason to kick the can down the road again."
So that leaves both sides deadlocked -- with neither side seeing a path forward, except one that maybe leads to a shortened holiday.
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What the congress and prez should be doing is trying to figure out how to keep the government functioning without raising the debt ceiling. Celing raise should be off the table. 14 trillion credit is way more than enough
as much as i feel uncomfortable with raising the debt limit, it must be raised. why? too many politicians have been kicking the can for future generations, inflation is happening, and thanks to wall street tactics and speculation, any and all prices can only go up ...
they should all go on vacation including President O'Hypocrite they'll do a lot less damage to the country that way...
They shouldn't be allowed any recess until issues are settled.
To paraphrase - No mans life or liberty is safe when the legislature is in session.
Oh, and dangerfield, if you are out there, you were right and I was wrong. Poor job on my part. Although LBJ was responsible for Vietnam and it killed his presidency.
The Middle Class would be a LOT better off if the Upper Class Shills in Congress just disappeared one day and took a PERMANENT break. Hell even giving them a million dollars each just to go away would be a bargain in the long run
Have the fire department ready, because congress is the last place you'll find "safe-and-sane" fireworks!
I hope we default even though I vote Democrat because it will rid us of our debt, and we can then set priorities and live within our means. I say we start by shutting down World Cop and closing all the Pork Military bases throughout the US and stop the government Socailistic stimulus spending on defense contractors. Let them swim on their damned own instead of seeking contract handouts from Uncle Sam to get by and float
David sorry for your delusions the United States cannot declare bankrupcy we would still owe the debt - but at a higher rate of interest love your delusions but it doesn't work that way - our bonds would be worthless and most countries would not invest in us, - we would no longer be able to hold our head up high as a power country - investors would run for the hills we would become a deadbeat country - is this what you want?
Plus this would cause the stock markets to go into a tailspin - as an aside where did you study Economics - the corner bar?
We can save a LOT of money if the Tea party puts their money where their mouth is and they swears off SS and Medicare. And NO ONE making a million a year should get a nickle out of SS and Medicare and just absoulte tough ****ing crap about the money they put in. Go sit in a corner and sulk about it
dude -- you gotta know every freshman congressperson is being waited on by special interest lobbyists. default, and we can start all over with new priorities? even i can't be that naive ...
I agree with you David - they've created this mess with all their wasteful spending and bailing out banks who should have failed. The sad part is I doubt they'll suffer - it will most likely roll down to the American people
How much does Warren Buffet get from SS. What DO Fat Cats get, what IS the limit on SS payments if any, and why in the ever loving HELL are they getting anything AT ALL!??
Awww, poor Congress may have to work next week and only get one DAY off for the 4th. I'm sure they will get plenty of sympathy from the public, who will also be working next week.
Democrats, stay put and grow a set. Do NOT bow to the Republicans and if we fail it WILL be their fault. Do what we elected you to do and stand up for the Middle Class and those in need.
NO more cuts unless the tax loopholes are taken away for the wealthy that pay little to NO federal taxes. Stop kissing Republican butt and do your JOB!!!!!!!!
I think both the house and senate should stay in session until they agree on spending cuts and the raising of the debt ceiling. I also think President Obama stay in Washington also and quit running around the country campaigning and spreading class warfare. The President is the leader of the democrats and should be in the thick of negotiations. Maybe we need demonstrations in the streets of Washington in order to get the idiots in government to do their jobs.
My heart hurts that the Beltway Gang Members may not be able to get home to celebrate the birth of our nation because they have to do the work of our nation. Of course, I wish I had a job so I could have to work on the holiday
The average worker, not a congressman, stays until his work is done or he loses his job. Congress spends too much time gathering campaign funds and less time actually working for America. Congress should be locked up until they can get out legislation that is good for America.
Will the Republicans, who are positive that defaulting on the National Debt, blame Obama for their own bad behavior. The rich do not pay the same percentage of taxes vs. total income as the other 98% so it is time for them to quit whining and pay their fair share for once.
repubs have gone nuts having been around the teabaggers to much? These idiots think more of the rich than they think of the rest of their countrymen.
I don't believe i am agreeing with feisty. Lock them in a room, the hell with pizza. coffee and soft drinks and NO potty breaks. Hmmmm, that could turn into one smelly room.
riverman,
Add Chinese or Mexican food to that mix...
The headline title "Senate MAY cut short July 4th recess" blows my mind. I'm a retired DoD dollar counter and I sure missed many nights, holidays and weekends preparing reports, budgets, and statements on far less important fiscal matters than this one. Our leaders should be ashamed of themselves.
Beverly in Chicago- yes, we get it...you are in love with your boy obama...... you are probably black too....but at any rate.....HE did NOT get bin laden.....our military did.....obama DID NOTHING with bin laden so you can keep drinking your kool-aid...bev and keep dreaming....... in fact... obama has DONE NOTHING GOOD for this country and the MAJORITY of AMERICANS agree on that. Mickey Mouse can beat him next year.
By ALL means... don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you... K?
Hope you have a passport - from the sound of you... it's gonna come in mighty handy!
I hear Costa Rico is lovely, maybe you and the Oxycontin addicted racist can be neighbors! ;o)
Ashamed of my country for 1st time,
...you've finally come out from under your rock I see...hope the sunlight doesn't hurt your eyes too much...
The House of Representatives is where the buck stops on originating and acting on pending legislation. The Republicans now control the House after spending two years of saying "no" and blocking everything that came up.
They won last November, I believe, because this country wanted to see if they would finally stop playing games with our lives, stop saying "no", and bring jobs to this economy as they promised, if elected.
Well, we see the games continue. It really is true they want no improvements in this economy because it would make the President look good. A Tea Party friend admitted jobs creation was being held back for just that reason. That has always been my theory...
carolyn,
[Well, we see the games continue.]
I think the GOP is taking a huge gamble by calling Obama's bluff. The extension of the Bush-era tax cuts that Obama agreed to in the name of compromise was probably a "gimme" for the GOP at the time, but now Obama is calling in his chips by calling the GOP's bluff. He was right in comparing them to school children.
This lies squarely on the Republicans' shoulders, and they know it...they have painted themselves into a corner...
...I just can't wait for the next video of John Boehner crying again...priceless!
I see no reason that Senators, Congressional Representatives, or the President should be taking a holiday, until their primary duty of providing a budget si completed.
That should be their very first concern each year as they clock in from New Years.
I can tell you right now that if my work was not done, and I had plenty of time to do it, my boss would not be pleased at me taking off for a "holiday break". In fact, I doubt I would be welcome back if I left under those circumstances.
It is time for these public servants to learn the art of compromise, learn the art of doing what is best for the country, and learn how to prioritize their work effectively. It isn't like they don't have staffs to help them.
Perhaps it is time to make some budget cuts on staff, since Congress clearly isn't using those paid employees well.
I realize this is not a simple issue, but here is a solution. Figure out how much needs to be cut, so that projected revenues are far enough away from expenditures that debt can start to be paid off. Then cut every expense category across the board at the same percentage until you arrive at the necessary number. When this habit is ingrained, begin to look at each government entitlement program and reduce fraud, waste and abuse via law, policy and process.
If the Senate thought like the rest of the nation, they'd be happy to have jobs and work a few extra days.
Sen. Orin Hatch is a joke!! He is saying that if the fed revenue goes up (in this current budget deficit discussions), the democrats will spend it. Does he have amnesia or does he live on the moon? Isn't the house controlled by republicans and they control future spending?
I want a job like the GOP, say no all the time , work a week and then have a week off and get paid what, over $100,000 a year?
It's too bad the presidents has to be the "Adult" with the GOP
Ho Hum, ANOTHER foul mouthed Obama-Hater vilifying The First Black President of The Unied States of America!
BOO!
"Rep. Ellison: republicans 'don't have any jobs bill. Full stop"
It is election year. GOP may have job bill after election. Now they can blame Democrat.