Senate advances bill to avoid government shutdown

 

The Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to fund the United States through the end of September, making a big step toward averting a threatened government at the end of this month.

Senators voted 73 to 26 to approve the bipartisan budget legislation, which provides just over $1 trillion in budget authority, a level of spending which reflects the spending cuts stipulated by the budget sequester that took effect at the beginning of March.

Consideration of this Senate bill – known as a “continuing resolution,” or “CR” – had stalled in recent weeks due to objections from conservative Republicans who said they wanted to read the bill and offer amendments. Democrats finally struck an agreement with Republicans on those amendments on Wednesday, allowing a final vote on passing the spending package to move forward.

The legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled House, which could take up the bill as soon as Thursday. Though the GOP had already passed its own version of the CR from the House, indications point toward passage of the Senate version. The law would then head to the White House for President Barack Obama’s signature.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had threatened late evenings and weekend work – potentially through the Senate’s upcoming holiday recess to complete both the CR and work on Democrats’ first budget in four years.

After staving off a shutdown, lawmakers will next turn toward reconciling their different budget proposals ahead of a mid-May deadline to extend the nation’s borrowing authority. Immigration reform and proposed new restrictions on firearms also sit atop Congress’s springtime agenda.

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Comment author avatarPigotryExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

Shut it down, please!!

Govt shutdown can save money, make the GOP look bad to the public, and can mean election wins for the DEMs.

.

To shut it down, or not to shut it down..is not a question....shutdown makes everyone happy....even the GOP will temporarily declare victory before their electoral defeats later.

  • 20 votes
#1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:46 PM EDT

MORE bloody HOLIDAYS.....? When do these guys EVER work? Keep them in session until they finish the work of the people!!! They owe us big time!

"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly

  • 44 votes
#1.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:51 PM EDT

Progress on this is the only evidence you need that Conservative Republicans know they're losing this issue. If they thought it wasn't a PR debacle they'd gladly stretch it out for weeks or months.

  • 29 votes
#1.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:59 PM EDT

making a big step toward averting a threatened government at the end of this month.

"averting a threatened government"?....Have the TeaPeople in Congress been removed? They are the threats!

They don't like the government. The government that signs their pay checks. The government that provides their benefits.....They DO NOT LIKE GOVERNMENT!

TeaPeople electorate are low-information and elected TeaPeople are LIARS!

  • 33 votes
#1.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:09 PM EDT

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had threatened late evenings and weekend work – potentially through the Senate’s upcoming holiday recess to complete both the CR and work on Democrats’ first budget in four years." And I can hear the gasp. WHAT WORK THROUGH THE EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS! LOSE A RECESS?! OK, we'll do our jobs dang it...

  • 21 votes
#1.4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:11 PM EDT

"Consideration of this Senate bill – known as a “continuing resolution,” or “CR” – had stalled in recent weeks due to objections from conservative Republicans who said they wanted to read the bill and offer amendments."

===============

Well get your lazy arses out from in front of every camera and microphone and sit down and do your friggin jobs. Who were the non-conservative Republicans who were able to read the bill?

And note, 73 voted yes which means this didn't pass along party lines, so all you "...dems haven't passed a budget in years..." folk apparently need to be questioning the vote of 18+ GOP Senators as well for another CR vs. a budget.

  • 14 votes
#1.5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:14 PM EDT

HINT to Republicans, Libertarians, and Conservatives:

READ the dad gum thing before you vote on it. You will be amazed at what the Mr. "Pocket Veto" Reid and his Progressive friends embedded into the thing.

Examples might be: Cap and Trade, "Go Green" initiatives, R&D, Union support, and a "field mouse" tunnel under I-5 near San Francisco.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BTW: Where is the Senate's budget for the past FOUR YEARS ?

  • 18 votes
#1.6 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:14 PM EDT

Wouldn't it be smart to stop all foreign aid and put that 75 Billion a year to our debt, just saying !!!

  • 29 votes
#1.7 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:15 PM EDT

Sorry Ms Piggy, I hate to disagree (#1) . . . I usually agree with your posts! Gov shut-downs do NOT save $$ . . . . they COST $$! That was proved when Gingrich was Speaker - it was very expensive.

Further, what we really need is for this economy to GROW! we need the JOBS BILLS passed; and infrastructure spending, R & D; investing in education.

THIS CR BILL SUCKS EGGS . . . though you have to go to HUFF POST or another news source to see what's in it, since MSNBC did not bother to explain what's in the bill.

We need to move . . .

.

FORWARD! :-)

  • 25 votes
#1.8 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:19 PM EDT
Comment author avatarPigotryExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

medicine is bitter, but good for the body and soul.

Most of you missed my message in comment #1 AND Comment #2.

I was daring the GOP to shut down the government because the voters will definitely punish the GOP again, more election wins for the DEMs, as in the case of the 1995 shutdowns and 1996&1998 election wins for the DEMs.

  • 16 votes
#1.9 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:24 PM EDT

MORE bloody HOLIDAYS.....? When do these guys EVER work?

They don't, nurse ###

They try to squeeze in a few hours on the clock in between their weeks off!

Yup, it's time for Easter break or whatever they call it!

  • 13 votes
#1.10 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:26 PM EDT
Comment author avatarGil-2872519Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

PIG: You are an idiot !!

  • 16 votes
#1.11 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:28 PM EDT

You're wrong on this, Pigotry. Democrats will be blamed, too. Even if the GOP does take the brunt of it, this should be about doing the right thing, not partisan gains. Maybe a shutdown wouldn't hurt you personally, but for many government employees, a 20% pay cut is a hard hit.

  • 15 votes
#1.12 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:32 PM EDT

Perhaps what we need is an all new group of politicans who work only for the voters of this nation...and not every lobbyist with deep pockets..and then cut out any extras that they have given themselves. And put it to them..no work no pay. No more retireing from an elected position. No more excempting yourselves from any bill or law you pass that effects the voters of this nation.

  • 9 votes
#1.13 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:34 PM EDT

Hey, Gil-2872519 (#1.11)

PIG: You are an idiot !!

Gee, you have just moved me up the IQ ladder. An idiot has higher IQ than I, a PIG.

Thanks.

.

But the whole point is - I disagree with shutdown, and the GOP is also scared by the prospect that voters will blame the GOP again. Republicans still remember their losses in 1996 and 1998 after Gingrich-engineered 1995 government shutdowns. Many current Republican members of Congress express just such fear (as covered by the press).

  • 10 votes
#1.14 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:38 PM EDT

Hey Pig!

Do you drive a convertible.....like the pig in that GEICO ad?...Just wondering!

  • 7 votes
#1.15 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:49 PM EDT

This has to be the worst congress in History, c'mon, even if it's the Black guy you rebelling against; do you have to be that obvious?

  • 20 votes
#1.16 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:51 PM EDT

Yes I agree shut it down, no sarcasm here either.

  • 4 votes
#1.17 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:14 PM EDT

Well, chilled

Hey Pig!

Do you drive a convertible.....like the pig in that GEICO ad?...Just wondering!

Maxwell the flying pig in the Geico commercial is my cousin. God, I am jealous of him. He is now famous. But I will tell him you said 'hi.'

  • 9 votes
#1.18 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:15 PM EDT

@ Pig

You just have love it that Senate republicans wanted to see it, HUH. So, We are finally getting to see what Harry attempts with these bills on his desk. He hides them from the other side, looking to pull off snow jobs on Americans.

Why did I know this all along.

  • 4 votes
#1.19 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:32 PM EDT

God, I am jealous of him. He is now famous

No need to be jealous of Maxwell, Pigotry. You're famous right here!

  • 7 votes
#1.20 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:34 PM EDT

Who among you is as tired as I am of this Dem-Republican partisan blame game. They are all pretty effed up. If shutting the govt down means that these elected officials don't get paid, then shut the thang down. Send those elected officials home and tell them to stay there. The inane behavior that's going on with Highly Paid Elected Officials is just outrageous. If I behaved like that on my job, I'd be kicked out the door without any pay or severance.

  • 4 votes
#1.21 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:37 PM EDT

Pigotry

make the GOP look bad to the public

So, let me get this straight. The real reason democrats get elected is to legislated is to structure bills so that they can make the Republicans look bad?

My, my how cocky the left has gotten. They are getting so proud of what of what they are doing, that their words are just oozing with the bitter, ugly, and hateful way they operate. That overconfidence is the beginning of the end.

Elected office in this country is supposed to be about serving the public and solving the problems caused by selfish people.

It is the democratic party that has made this a war on people they don't like.

  • 11 votes
#1.22 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:42 PM EDT

You don't generally fix things by making them worse. This "bitter medicine" argument is just lazy.

  • 2 votes
#1.23 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:00 PM EDT

It don't take much for the GOP to look bad, hell, they look bad on the Sunday morning shows when they show up. The republican party has become repulsive with the advent of the bigoted tea bags.

  • 10 votes
#1.24 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT

Apparently "db's" head was shoved too far up his/her/its bum to have heard, oh...about 4 years ago...when Mitch McConnell declared that the Republican's one goal was to make President Obama a one term president.

You may feel that you have a right to judge what is "bitter, ugly and hateful" "db", but we all know that when your klan does it, it is sheer brilliance.

Consistency is such a beautiful thing. The sun rises in the east and "db" posts something arrogant, stupid and hypocritical. Keep up the good work, "db"...

Are you a hypocrite or just a thoughtless propagandist, "db"?

  • 4 votes
#1.25 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT

shocked,

that was a perfect example of the typical republican post here. You call 'em a hypocrite and I can guarantee they'll call you a hypocrite four posts down. I think its because they heard the word somewhere but just can't remember where....

  • 9 votes
#1.26 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:21 PM EDT

when Mitch McConnell declared that the Republican's one goal was to make President Obama a one term president.

im pretty sure that is the agenda and goal of both parties whether on record or not...maybe your head is up somewhere but its good to know you liberals take the moral high ground.. 'Hey you did it, so its our turn'.

  • 2 votes
#1.27 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 8:00 PM EDT

No sense of urgency but it isn't a surprise. They still get paid if the government shuts down.

The people who happened to get furloughed? They get the shaft. Classic.

  • 2 votes
#1.28 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 8:02 PM EDT

Don't pop the champagne corks yet. The Senate changed some things from the House bill so it goes to conference. RYAN/CANTOR/BOEHNER think ONLY THEY know what is best.

  • 4 votes
#1.29 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 9:14 PM EDT

work on Democrats’ first budget in four years.

Yep its all the Republicans fault that every year there's constant fiscal emergencies requiring yet more CR's.

  • 5 votes
#1.30 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:26 PM EDT

DB generally paints a purtier picture on the wall when he spreads all of his GOP crap. He and Boehner must have started "Happy Hour" immediately after lunch.

  • 5 votes
#1.31 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:49 PM EDT

How many G*D Da*m holidays do these lazy arssh*les need? Everyother day they are taking another extended Holiday. This is ridiculous! They dont deserve the pay or the benefits they get. Any other person would never get paid the cushy wages and benefits these guys get for doing absolutely nothing but talk abunch of bogus crap about nothing instead of get problems solved for the people. We Want To Work and we cant get these guys to chose toilet paper let alone pass any bills to put us back to work. And they got the guts to say we are takers and lazy?? PLEASE people....get to work doing the job you were elected to do or get out! Period!!! You are so busy throwing each other under the bus and are still moaning about losing the election 5 months ago the rest of us are waiting around to get the ball rolling here in the real world. Our roads and bridges are falling down and we need jobs...gee what do you think we can do to put people to work...lets see now hmmm? This isnt rocket science guys...but then again you think we are stupid. You guys created this problem now fix it!

But then again its EZ to lounge around when you already got everything you could ever want...who cares about the little people when your in an ivory tower. Well you better believe we wont forget it!

  • 3 votes
#1.32 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:54 PM EDT

Actually, little piggy, you know that the gop can't shut down the government. You just love driving the country into the ground and will do all you can to help Obama, Pelosi and Reid and the Dems to make sure that is accomplished. That's why you love the idiot headline. For those who don't know how things work in government, the worst thing that can happen is the government will spend all of the money it brings in. Pretty much everything else means that they will spend more than they bring in. That means, increase the debt and spend more money on interest and less on the people.

  • 3 votes
#1.33 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:55 PM EDT

Just as I disagree with the Republican mantra of "party before country," I couldn't condone any Democratic strategy that involved shutting down the government for political gain. We Democrats are better than that. We don't fight fire with fire.

BTW: Where is the Senate's budget for the past FOUR YEARS ?

Er, under what rock have you been hiding this past week? The Senate produced a budget just last week and it includes, per the wishes of 75% of Americans (although partly against sound recession economics), strong deficit reductions over the next ten years through a combination of concrete tax increases and concrete spending cuts. Spending cuts, by the way, not as Draconian as those in the not-at-all-concrete Ryan budget (which cuts deficits by a similar amount) and which would undo the whole Sequester business.

Now that the Senate has produced a C.R. to fund the government through September AND a budget, right-wingers are fresh out of legitimate excuses to justify the callous behavior of their party. Pointing to Reid and his (as-of-last-week) failure to propose a budget was seriously the sole counterargument they had to the many horrible things that can be brought up about Republicans.

  • 7 votes
#1.34 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:50 AM EDT

About the only work done by the Harry Reid led Senate since Obama took office has been procedural moves to ram ObamaCare down the nations throat, and continuing resolutions. The Republican led House has already passed a similar measure, but the Senate Democrats like to wait until the last minute before doing anything. The latest polls show that the American people are waking to Obama's blame and excuse games, so anyone that thinks Republicans would take the hit for a government shutdown is a fool. The American people also don't believe Obama's claim that the debt is sustainable, or the Pelosi claim that Washington doesn't have a spending problem. I say keep it up, and we shall see if the Democrat party can survive an Obama second term.

  • 1 vote
#1.35 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:31 AM EDT

I'd like to advance a bill to have a Congress shutdown; it's not like they're getting anything done.

  • 3 votes
#1.36 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:27 AM EDT

Job safety: always a motivator. I bet they pass a bill pronto.

  • 1 vote
#1.37 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:22 AM EDT

Doc holiday chimed in - I see the racists are out in force again. All he sees is color. I wish these "progressives" would be a little less prejudice, but it's hard for them

    #1.38 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:33 AM EDT

    Can you hear that, sounds like a can being kicked again.

    • 3 votes
    #1.39 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:20 PM EDT

    Shut it down! If life goes on as usual for the most part it will show how ineffective and wasteful the fed government actually is.

    • 3 votes
    #1.40 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:28 PM EDT

    node 4: Well, they actually are getting something done. They are destroying the country and our enemies are thrilled that our politicians are able to accomplish what they cannot. But, when you have people like andres tm who actually believe that the Senate has passed a budget that will reduce the deficit and has made actual reductions in spending, then you understand why the country is in the shape it is in. Quite frankly, we'd all be a lot better off if spending was frozen at the current dollar amount for the next 10 years than under any plan that has been set forth by either party.

    • 1 vote
    #1.41 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:26 PM EDT

    See what happens when you have these large bills (CR), they are filled with PORK

    • 1 vote
    #1.42 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:12 PM EDT

    @witchrunner: i beg to differ; nobody is "destroying the country", it's just that Clowngress isn't doing much of anything to help. they spend more time posturing for re-election and their next appearance on cable news shows than they do making reasoned compromises that would benefit their constituents in the long run. i'd much rather see minor progress on issues we all face rather than who regurgitated last nights' talking points better.

    • 1 vote
    #1.43 - Fri Mar 22, 2013 2:04 AM EDT

    @Pig, I would hate to disagree with you but a pig is smarter than an idiot, a Pig will get an idiot to do there work for them, you vote Democratic don't you?

      #1.44 - Fri Mar 22, 2013 12:58 PM EDT
      Reply

      The Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to fund the United States through the end of September, making a big step toward averting a threatened government at the end of this month

      I hope Boehner exercises leadership and defeats this senate bill in the House. Government shutdown is a win-win: it can save money AND help defeat the GOP in the next election.

      • 7 votes
      #2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:50 PM EDT

      Ya ya, pig, heard you the first time..

      • 7 votes
      #2.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:19 PM EDT

      Republicans are now sucking on straws in the 13 hour outhouse attack to be an candidate, what's up with the Tea Crazies ???

      • 9 votes
      #2.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:24 PM EDT

      COST OF THE LAST GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN:

      (From Wikipedia - sorry, won't let me paste in the URL for some reason)

      "On November 14, major portions of the federal government suspended operations. The Clinton administration later released figures detailing the costs of the shutdown, which included payments of approximately $400 million to furloughed federal employees who did not report to work.

      . . . .A 2010 Congressional Research Service report summarized other details of the 1995-1996 government shutdowns, indicating the shutdown impacted all sectors of the economy. Health and welfare services for military veterans were curtailed; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped disease surveillance; new clinical research patients were not accepted at the National Institutes of Health; and toxic waste clean-up work at 609 sites was halted. Other impacts included: the closure of 368 National Park sites resulted in the loss of some seven million visitors; 200,000 applications for passports and 20,000 to 30,000 applications for visas by foreigners went unprocessed each day; U.S. tourism and airline industries incurred millions of dollars in losses; more than 20% of federal contracts, representing $3.7 billion in spending, were affected adversely."

      .

      GOV SHUT-DOWNS DO NOT SAVE $$

      .

      FORWARD! :-)

      • 14 votes
      #2.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:29 PM EDT

      Piglet, NOTHING will stop conservatives from winning the next round.

      We have all seen the disaster that liberals have accomplished.

      It's time to take the blinders off before you walk into the bacon factory.

      • 7 votes
      #2.4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:54 PM EDT

      Hmmm, "viewer"...that's what your klan was saying...oh...what was it? About 3 months ago?? If you refuse to change your tune in the face of reality, "viewer", you run the risk of looking like an brainwashed minion.

      • 6 votes
      #2.5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:11 PM EDT

      The brainwashed are the Obama supporters.

      And it is the shame of America.

      • 7 votes
      #2.6 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:48 PM EDT

      There is no word in this article as to whether or not this proposed bill contains chained CPI. The AARP is sending out emails that this is the case. It would cut benefits to those that can afford it the least, the elderly, the disabled, and disabled veterans. The older you get, the less money you have. In an age when corporations have foregone pensions along with pay increases and a drop in benefits, do we have room to further impoverish our most vulnerable citizens? All this is going on while the GOP continues to fight for the rights of wealthy Americans at the expense of everything else. The cause of the wealthy has become their sole reason for existence. Why isn't this a big part of the news? Who owns the media outlets? By the time anybody thinks to do anything about this, it will be too late. Shame on our lawmakers.

      • 4 votes
      #2.7 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:51 PM EDT

      The strangest ongoing lack of coverage is that while we had Dubya the "conservatives" where spending America through the roof!! NO debt ceilings or spending was too large for America... until Bush & Company crashed the economy and left us in TWO WARS. Suddenly all those same congressmen and senators are concerned with "entitlements" (i.e. Paul Ryan). The same who supported Bush on the multiple tax cuts as "stimulus" for the economy. When will somebody report that? Rachel Maddow did before the election, but I would like mainstream media to keep reminding the American people how we got this economy. And, how Obama DID SAVE IT - even with the promise of the Republican congress to stop EVERY bill in its tracks. Just remember that Dems HAVE submitted budgets... BUT, congressional Republicans have rejected ALL of them, naturally. So STOP with the bull about Dems not submitting budgets. Dems are the ones who give a damn!

      • 8 votes
      #2.8 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 8:28 PM EDT

      Viewer

      You are in a serious state of denial. You are really gonna be sh*ting yourself when reality slaps you in the face. You dont actually think these guys care about you or your family do you?? They say they are doing all this for the good of our childrens future....do their actions show they care??? NO! Does raping the planet and polluting the air and water for profit show they are concerned for your childrens future? Does trying to get around environmental laws so they can pollute without punishment show they care about the future of your children or anyone as far as that goes? Does deregulation so they can loot and plunder the everyday people so they dont have to pay their share show they care about anyone but themselves and their greed? These guys have more of everything then they or their entire family will ever use in their entire lives and it still isnt enough for them. They DONT CARE ABOUT ANYONE, or anyones futures, but themsleves so you better wake up and face the facts buddy... sorry but reality bites!

      • 3 votes
      #2.9 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:12 PM EDT

      Progressives and Unions are dinosaurs.

      Reid, Feinstein, and Pelosi should be added to that list.

      • 3 votes
      #2.10 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:52 AM EDT

      Our Government is screwing us from the far right to the far left.To assign all the blame to one party or the other is downright idiotic.Pigotry gives swine a bad name;Even pigs are not that stupid.

      Suddenly I have a craving for bacon.

      • 1 vote
      #2.11 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:55 AM EDT

      Well at least Obama was able to find the time to do his March Madness picks, which is infinitely more important then doing a budget.

      • 2 votes
      #2.12 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:58 AM EDT

      If it does have a huge impact, the fact that we rely heavily on government spending to keep our economy up is a huge red flag as to the state of the country and our long term prospects.

      • 1 vote
      #2.13 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:31 PM EDT

      It is really sad that people like "viewer" hate Americans that support the President of the United States and are more attached to their lies and their hate then they are to the love of their country.

      Keep 'em coming, "viewer". Show everyone just how much the die-hard teabagger Republicans hate America and Americans.

        #2.14 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:34 PM EDT

        As a government employee, I wouldn't blame either Democrats or Republicans. I'd blame them both. And Pigotry, you are definitely off your rocker. cutting the pay of all the hourly workers 20% wont solve the financial problems of this country. What the government spends on our combined payroll is a pittance to what we send overseas in foreign aid. Need to start hitting the SALARIED people who spend their days in Washington and playing golf every other week, stop sending tanks and fighter jets to foreign nations in the hopes of keeping them friendly, and reform social aid to people in this country. To hold my job, I had to be drug tested, yet people who collect money from the welfare system do not.

          #2.15 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:42 PM EDT
          Reply

          Yeah Pig, it's so hard to remove less than 2% from a budget increase.

          But the good news is the Senate is working on budget legislation, to spend more and save less. How sustainable is that?

          Good news: those dysfunctional boys and girls will now have to pay for the services of the Senate barbershop rather than burden the taxpayers to the tune of $350K a year. Every little bit helps, no?

          • 19 votes
          Reply#3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:53 PM EDT

          "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had threatened late evenings and weekend work – potentially through the Senate’s upcoming holiday recess to complete both the CR and work on Democrats’ first budget in four years."

          My goodness. I read this out loud and my kitty went running under my bed.I tried to convince her there was no earthquake happening.The Democrats working on a budget after four years without one,wasn't history in the making!What is it with animals, always sensing trouble coming?

          Okay getting serious here, it will be nice to see what they think up as there are some decent people in there, I think. I know Mr President had problems coming up with his own budget, let alone on time. He is paid to do lots of important things, besides play golf and go on vacations (Double Face Palm) Just remember folks, don't take life too serious, after all, it will kill you in the end!

          • 11 votes
          #3.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:36 PM EDT

          Windancersong - too bad you don't know how things work. The President submits a proposed budget. It is then the job of the Senate and House to come to an agreement on the budget - if they don't agree.

          Try to get a clue - clearly you have none. And yes, your inane hatred for the President will kill you in the end! I'm sure it would be better if he would go to the Crawford Ranch instead of playing gofl - as Bush did many more times than Obama played golf! You are pathetic!

          • 8 votes
          #3.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:43 PM EDT

          Seeking, we can hardly expect two people that despise everything America stands for to actually take the time to understand how the American Government was set up to function by our Founding Fathers.

          They actually think that, if they keep telling their idiotic lies, that the American public with an IQ over 20 will finally believe them and completely forget, like everyone else in their klan, the disasters that occurred the last time the Republicans had complete control.

          We've both seen, way too often, that "funnygirl" gives no more thought to what "she" belches than a douche would give to vinegar. Hateful, dumb people have been the tools for spreading evil for centuries and can never manage to accept responsibility for the damage they cause.

          It is sad, but, in the end, they were the ones that chose to have their brains washed.

          • 6 votes
          #3.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:36 PM EDT

          Shocked, then I presume you also hate "seeking" for the vile in her comments. Now what does that douche comment on other than the hate of conservaties?

          Pray tell me Shocked, when will Obama submit his budget proposal, and do you believe he will get a vote, even from a Dem this time?

          He's a little late this year, as he was his first four years, but I guess picking the basetball brackets is more important than a silly little thing like a budget.

          • 8 votes
          #3.4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:20 PM EDT

          neverbeenfunnybroad - get someone who is intelligent to read my posts to you since your reading comprehension level is so low. I often post facts. Do I point out ignorant mental midgets like you - oh yes! But, as usual, and as your post proves again - the name fits!

          • 2 votes
          #3.5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:48 PM EDT

          SeekingSanity-(Windancersong - too bad you don't know how things work.)

          Well, I don't know how lots of things in life work, so I am always learning new stuff each day. Keeps my brain going. I also enjoy learning more about those who leave comments.It tells me things about their true character. You know, whether they are positive, fair and open minded or negative, more judgmental folks who tend to jump to conclusions.Making fun of others comments, putting them down. Losing the spirit of debating altogether.

          The fact our President didn't have his budget ready to submit on time and left town the week it was due,is a fact, and observation, nothing to do with any "hate" towards him.And seeing some good Democrats doesn't make me hate filled either if I didn't say all, like seeing some good Republicans,but not all because I don't think everyone is the best fit either. I have voted for whom ever I thought was the best person for each job, regardless of party.That means Democratic or Republican. I want good men to lead, where ever they are found.So I study them. You going to call me stupid now and filled with hate for not choosing them all in one party? We all need the best people to lead our nation.It takes courage to vote with your consciences after studying, doing your best. Checking up to hold accountable the people you do put into office.Don't just forget about them until election time. Then if they don't follow through, vote them out. Not stay so loyal to a party, it hurts your neighbor, your children, your friends, your country in the long run.

          You can also check all my posts. I haven't judged any person, calling them names,describing them hateful or suggested they are ignorant, or any other negative words either, unlike you have called me.I also don't presume to know what they know or don't. I have learned, those who do, tend to not be happy people in life. I would suggest you relax a little. There aren't as many people filled with hate as you think.Not everyone who sees things differently then you is filled with hate. Oh and it won't be hatred that kills me in the end. Something much more physical actually.

          • 6 votes
          #3.6 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:42 PM EDT

          What does everyone think of Obama's chances of winning the White House March Madness pool? Obama definitely spends more time doing his March Madness picks then concerning himself with the mundane duties of being president. In fact Obama has never missed getting his March Madness picks in on time in the years he has been in the White House. Too bad Obama doesn't take the rest of his job as seriously.

          • 4 votes
          #3.7 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:02 AM EDT

          Sigh. "Vile" is an adjective, not a noun, "funnygirl" (did you miss that day in home school?) and is in the eye of the beholder. There is no way to make your lies and deceit subjective, so you lose again. When it is time for you to do the slightest amount of introspection, please note your inability to accept responsibility for your own actions - you merely point the finger elsewhere and continue on belching your vinegar. Being shallow would be the primary cause of your life being empty and meaningless.

          Windancersong - I do appreciate your attempt to be civil, but until I see people on your side admonishing the lies, name-calling and blatant racism coming from your own, it is merely a song in the wind. Combine that with the fact that you resort to the simple propaganda insult of our President taking vacations without even acknowledging the fact that that the Boehner House seems to spend more time off the job than in, and I would be willing to say that you border on hypocritical.

          You will have to ask yourself, Windancersong, which is more important to you. Civil, deceitful propaganda, or vile truth.

            #3.8 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:22 PM EDT

            ShockedanddisgustedSeeking, -(we can hardly expect two people that despise everything America stands for....I do appreciate your attempt to be civil, but until I see people on your side)

            It is evident you are not fair minded individual, based on your posts, but actually quite judgmental. You jump to conclusions that are in fact, not based on facts. As I am actually not on the side you think I am. So,which side is someone on who votes for both?Including having voted for Democratic Presidents?

            If we can't criticize who we voted for, and hold them accountable for not doing what they should, then who has a better right? According to your way of thinking, I am guessing nobody does. You also say two who despise everything, yet I am a vet also, would still lay down my life if called to for it.Are you, have you done something for this nation also?

            Second, speaking of hypocritical, you suggest I am, when you insult folks in your posts, calling them dumb, assuming you know all about them, you lose the respect of reasonable folks, and make yourself look shallow,mean spirited, illogical and even immature.Someone not to be taken seriously.Why so ugly and callous towards those you don't know? If I were to judge the whole party by your behaviors, it wouldn't be fair to all those other folks.You certainly don't represent the many good folks in the party I know, thank heavens.

            Expecting countless others to change their beliefs AND behaviors in a nation, before you will treat another civil, is absolutely the most immature way of not accepting responsibility for your own inappropriate actions towards others in life. I have learned long ago, everyone is on their own learning curve in life's lessons.I do wish you well on learning how to debate more civil. Until then,practice does, as they say make perfect.

            Oh and as for your question, Truth is never vile, but all cleansing and frees the soul.Those who live their life with integrity, can live it without fear.Can give their word and never break it, because they know themselves well enough. Just like he who is honest, has no need for a perfect memory

            • 2 votes
            #3.9 - Fri Mar 22, 2013 6:42 AM EDT
            Reply

            The back and forth unending bantering with both sides spinning their “facts” to favor their positions, neither yielding nor ever recognizing the other’s points, is obviously a total waste of time that satisfies only those who need to argue. Could there be a rational evaluation that defies argument, an unbiased objective reasoning that concludes one way or the other? Maybe when putting all of the deceptive propaganda aside one can be seen.

            Consider:

            • In reality our problems were not caused by government spending or the deficit and that concentrating only there and seeking to return to “more of the same”, that being permissive policies which allow exploitation by the few that did cause our problems, can only result in “more of the same”.
            • While both parties have their faults and inadequacies the general rule is that the Republicans concentrate on benefitting the few, paid for with constraints on the majority, and the Democrats strive to benefit the majority while checking the gains of the few - leaving the question: should government represent the few or the majority?
            • Both parties put a whole lot of effort into achieving their self-serving political ambitions, even shorting their responsibilities, with the Republicans being more organized and literally more dominate over their own, as seen with Norquist, Cheney, Rove, the Koch brothers and others who intimidate and coerce to squelch individual consciences and to encourage stubborn and arrogant “puppet” performances, like seen from Boehner, Ryan, Cantor, McConnell, Bachmann, the Tea Party candidates and others.
            • All politicians “puff their wares”, exaggerate, embellish and depend on their ability to reach the voters with their biased propaganda, which costs very substantially - the Republicans have not only had the advantage with the mega-millions but also with the power and influence from “the money”, their strong supporters and masters, and have demonstrated their enhanced ability to con the people and manipulate public opinion, as seen with the manipulation of the conservative Christian, the Swift-boat propaganda, the Tea Party movement (initiated, funded and directed by the Koch brothers) and more, always moving voters in the same single direction.
            • Truth seems to have become a neglected quality, especially with lesser issues consistently being pumped-up and used as hype to cover over reality, but one truth that is clear is that the Republicans, while concentrating on serving “the money”, have stubbornly blocked and arrogantly faulted all efforts, totally rejecting any bipartisanship and intentionally forcing gridlock, without conscience for the costs.
            • Today money rules politics and as a result, with that trend dynamically growing and negatively impacting the system, our politicians are dependent on and then indebted to their sources for financial support (obviously with strings attached) - with both parties receiving some huge contributions but the Democrats being more dependent on the people and the Republicans by far receiving the bulk of their’s in mega-donations from “the money” - who then have come to own and control the Republican Party.

            All of that is enough for me to conclude that in self-defense I have to vote Democratic (Libertarian isn’t a real choice). The GOP hasn’t always been this way and if we could ever get money out of politics, we might see their loyalty change. However the only way we can now get the message to them is by totally rejecting their propaganda, refusing to be conned and manipulated, and to firmly reject their “puppet” politicians who serve only their own and “the money’s” interests. End of story for me.

            • 11 votes
            Reply#4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:59 PM EDT

            ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!! Yeah obama doesn't take those multimillion vacations for himself... he does it for us. Consider this.the richest men in the USA are tiered with the top of which all ardent socialist/ bigger government views. They by far, support obama ( Soros, Buffet, Warren, Zuckenberg, not to mention Apple and MicroSoft. Likewise their companies pay little to no taxes. Obam's net worth on taking office was 4.6 million. Now it is 121 million.

            But the DEMS are for the little guy right? or are you just easily hypnotized by the propaganda.

            • 14 votes
            #4.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:14 PM EDT

            Funnygirl, You're not that funny at all! But you have to be a little funny in the head to think the GOP is looking out for you! They are not!

            • 14 votes
            #4.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:16 PM EDT

            navyvet - source for Obama's worth, and the rest of your claims, please!

            • 12 votes
            #4.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:20 PM EDT

            navyvet, both Bushes, Reagan, Clinton, Carter, Nixon, Ford, Eisenhower, both Roosevelts ... ALL Presidents take vacations. They, however, are still WORKING during those "vacations" since they still receive briefings, still must be in contact with the rest of government, still must be in touch with the State Department, still must be available for Foreign relations ... You can tell yourself whatever you want to about Obama, but he is OUR President, he WORKS every day - he DOES NOT really get ANY days off (why do you think the office ages the President so much?) and no matter where he is - even aboard Air Force One he is in contact with the rest of Government and receiving information.

            • 15 votes
            #4.4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:22 PM EDT

            ModelTrainMan

            Funnygirl, You're not that funny at all! But you have to be a little funny in the head to think the GOP is looking out for you! They are not!.........

            ***************************************

            And Obama is?.............Barnum was right...................

            • 11 votes
            #4.5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:27 PM EDT

            Navyvet couldn't debate the points so he pulled some crap out of his yinger and posted it. Why do Republican supporters think this is necessary? Maybe it would sway another low information Republican, but most here see right through that type of nonsense. Please do your trolling over at Faux Noize. It's an entire network of trolls and they'll love your inability to absorb real facts over there.

            • 7 votes
            #4.6 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:01 PM EDT

            Maureen - Barnum was right and you're living proof!

            • 4 votes
            #4.7 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:45 PM EDT

            "navyvet" and "maureen" are the poster children of what RGiles is arguing against and are much too dumb to even realize it.

            The more they post their idiotic propaganda (and, regardless of the topic, it always boils down to "I hate America and it's elected President") the more people see the truth.

            • 2 votes
            #4.8 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 8:26 PM EDT

            Bush bankrupted everyone who went intp business with him. Bush bankrupted the American people during eight years of Presidency 6 of which were SOLELY under REPUBLICAN control. No 350 filibusters by Democrats between 2001 and 2006.

            • 2 votes
            #4.9 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 9:24 PM EDT

            Im sorry so sorry to say that I used to consider myself a moderate conservative- because of the financial side. I will never never never say that I am a conservative again. Tea Party- destroyed the Republican Party and proud of it. You can have it. Haters. Idiots.

            • 4 votes
            #4.10 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:45 PM EDT

            Rapidrush. Welcome to the Democrat Party. The Tea Party People are just Bat sht crazy. Look at there leaders, Rush, Hannity, Boehner, Walker, Palin, Bachman and the crazylist goes on and on. The Tea Party, better known as the American Taliban no longer has any nerve. The Tea Party is afraid to shut the Government down, and I dare them to do it. That would be the last straw that broke the Camels back. The Democrat Party has a lot wrong with it as well, but they are the Lesser of the two evils.

            • 3 votes
            #4.11 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:18 AM EDT
            Reply

            making a big step toward averting a threatened government at the end of this month.

            Y'all better not be threatening the government!

            • 2 votes
            Reply#5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:06 PM EDT

            So much for a budget. again.....

            • 8 votes
            Reply#6 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:09 PM EDT

            Reid wanted to start the Budget talks and a Republican from Kansas stopped becasue he wanted his admendment heard but Reid capped them and he stopped this process from moving forard for 30 hours. During that 30 hours Reid wanted to start the debate on the Budget but he also stopped this so they are going to start the debate this week maybe tomorrow and will not go home until that work is done. they are scheduled to work at least until Sunday. 50 hours of debates on the bill must be done so when Reid wanted to start them while this same republican stopped the CR from moving forward for 30 hours he had to wait until those 30 hours were over and and then the Cr needed to be passed. Now the Budget will get started if a republican doesn't throw another wrench in this process again. remember over 20 - 30 hours of debate could have been completed right now if not for the Republicans saying NO to everything Reid brings up.

            • 3 votes
            #6.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:37 PM EDT

            So you are saying that Reid is at fault because was blocking the legislation from moving forward because he didn't want to listen to a republican amendment. How do you call that compromise?

            • 7 votes
            #6.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:42 PM EDT

            Because Republicans agreed in advance to cap the amendments, and then changed their minds again. We're getting use to their say one thing do another approach.

            • 8 votes
            #6.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:03 PM EDT

            They may have agreed to it before I don't know. If that is the case, then they are wrong. Of course, the democrats say one thing and do another often enough as well. Hard to fault just one side when both sides play with moving goalposts.

            • 4 votes
            #6.4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:22 PM EDT

            HOUSE REPUBLICANS approved clsoing FAA towers. A Senate TEA PARTIER didn't want 6 FAA towers in HIS state closed.

            • 3 votes
            #6.5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 9:28 PM EDT
            Reply

            oh heavens to murgatrood,

            Something that finally gets the Republicans attention -- working nights, weekends. Wow, I think they only actually put in less than 100 work days last year. They poor guys need the vacations and reunions to discuss nasty women wanting equal pay, abortion, no birth control, vaginal probes.....

            • 9 votes
            Reply#7 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:09 PM EDT

            The Senate is owned by the Democrats and lead by read. Maybe that is why liberals are so deluded. They know nothing about their own government.

            • 6 votes
            #7.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:15 PM EDT

            navyvet - and your posts show you know NOTHING about our government! Try again!

            • 12 votes
            #7.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:21 PM EDT

            Navyvet 98,

            Liberals at least know how to spell. You apparently need a few lessons.

            • 11 votes
            #7.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:36 PM EDT

            Nice to keep up with the liberal talking points... You seem to forget that Democrats are off just as much as Republicans.

            • 7 votes
            #7.4 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:51 PM EDT

            Spelling does nots earn points her on Newsvine.

            • 4 votes
            #7.5 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:16 PM EDT
            Reply

            This bill is a given in the House. It is the Senate budget that is doomed.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#8 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:15 PM EDT

            END THE SEQUESTER!

            A ONE-LINE BILL: JUST REPEAL IT!

            Further, what we really need is for this economy to GROW! we need the JOBS BILLS passed; and infrastructure spending, R & D; investing in education.

            THIS CR BILL SUCKS EGGS . . . though you have to go to HUFF POST or another news source to see what's in it, since MSNBC did not bother to explain what's in the bill.

            We need to move . . .

            .

            FORWARD! :-)

            • 7 votes
            Reply#9 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:16 PM EDT

            This site is NBCNEWS. MSNBC no longer exists

            • 4 votes
            #9.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:19 PM EDT

            People continue to say MSNBC simply like how fans would heckle wrestling manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan by calling him "Weasel".

            • 2 votes
            #9.2 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:30 PM EDT

            I agree, but the jobs bill they propose does very very little to build our infrastructure. Resurfacing roads is maintenance, not building infrastructure.

            • 3 votes
            #9.3 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:39 PM EDT
            Reply

            I'll just say well it's good we see both sides working together on something and getting it done.

              Reply#10 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:33 PM EDT

              Are you kidding? You think they're gonna work together in the end?

              • 6 votes
              #10.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:04 PM EDT
              Reply

              I will vote for no one in office at this time, and perhaps no party. This crap of threatening and then doing nothing has just got to stop. It just make life so stressful for the US citizens, the very people congress used to try to protect. Now, unfortunately, it is all about them.

              • 7 votes
              Reply#11 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:39 PM EDT

              maybe we could start a new party..the tupawear party. we want to put a lid on the same old leftovers we hear from both parties

              • 4 votes
              #11.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:26 PM EDT
              Reply

              This why few trust the government when a deadline or crisis is exclaimed! As always, they just move the finish line or cliff! Someday, they will have to own up to the truth!

              • 6 votes
              Reply#12 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:42 PM EDT

              Congress has no idea what 'late evenings and working weekends' is like. Lazy no good, pampered, overstuffed millionaires.

              • 9 votes
              Reply#13 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:55 PM EDT

              The GOP wants the government to shut down. It doesn't matter that they are in the minority... they won't participate unless they get their way. They'd rather see the entire country fall apart.

              • 7 votes
              Reply#14 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:59 PM EDT

              Soooo... pencil in yet another artificial crisis, at which time they will schedule the next.

              • 5 votes
              Reply#15 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:01 PM EDT

              Just think... if they shut the government down they'll hurt the black president. Way to go, conservatives.

              • 5 votes
              Reply#16 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:02 PM EDT

              Why not close it down? barry o closed "our" house to tours. Think of all the $ the taxpayers will save if the government is closed, works for me. And btw....."We the People" being Republicans want what is best for "our" country, not self interest and definitely not supporting the lazy and non American.

              • 7 votes
              #16.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:09 PM EDT
              Reply

              Oh, just shut it down. It's not like they're getting anything done. Who's going to miss them?

              • 7 votes
              Reply#17 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:13 PM EDT

              Government shutdown, good for you, good for me, good for the long term prosperity. We will learn that we need a lot less government then we have now.

              • 7 votes
              Reply#18 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:15 PM EDT

              and who's going work the control towers at the airport, or test the food you eat, or patch the hole in the highway, or stop an epidemic, or stop a terrorist from moving into your neighborhood?

              • 3 votes
              #18.1 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:30 PM EDT
              Reply

              These fools agreed on something. They must be due for a vote on their yearly raise! They need a smoke screen!!!!!!

              • 3 votes
              Reply#19 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:19 PM EDT

              Another $100 million for Afghanistan and Iraq, what a waste.

              Does anyone else feel cheated here?

              These people don't know how to quit spending, Republican and Democrats, it doesn't matter.

              They are just going to kick the can down the road, take as much as they can, and wait for the total collapse.

              Whose going to buy anything then? And, these guys say they can help the economy, yea right.

              • 3 votes
              Reply#20 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:32 PM EDT

              I hope the government decides to reverse the cut of our military tuition assistance. This isn't just a benefit...it's part of the reason many young men and women serve our country. It's also part of the contract that these young people agreed to when enlisting. It's amazing that the government can break a contract but you and I would end up in prison for the same thing. I also find it amazing that our government can afford to give away billions to countries that burn our flag but renege on a contractual commitment to our soldiers. Why are we as a nation allowing our government to make these choices?

              • 2 votes
              Reply#21 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:35 PM EDT

              Or better yet.......why can our country continue to pay out to many who have never served or earned any benifits, yet they do not honor the benifits that people have served to earn?

                #21.1 - Fri Mar 22, 2013 7:56 AM EDT
                Reply

                Pigotry, I agree. Let's shut it down.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#22 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:42 PM EDT

                What can be done? In the crisis of 1929 the govt. spent for jobs to improve our infastructure. Roads, aquaducts, dams, rural electrification was enhanced by govt. spending. And for a truely awesome example one must travel to see the Hoover Dam. Built by two parties who disagreed on many things-but worked for the greater good of the country. In Washington today we are beset by traitors, ego-maniacs and theives of the worst kinds. At best A bunch of spoiled brats. They have rigged the deck and marked the cards so that they always win. After the Supremely stolen election of 2000 I stopped voting. If Bush the greater can benefit his boy by stacking SCOTUS, then it's obviously a waste of time. This country is in dire straights d/t a lack of leadership, and an abundance of greed. We know you can destroy-are you good enough to build? Closing thought-It is laughable that the North Koreans try to threaten America by saying they will nuke Washington-it only proves that they know less about our Govt. than most of Americans, not as an advocate of violence but as a sore tired broke and hopeless soul do I say that.

                • 1 vote
                Reply#23 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 6:50 PM EDT

                stalled in recent weeks due to objections from conservative Republicans who said they wanted to read the bill and offer amendments

                I know it's tough when you're used to reading about Dick and Jane and their dog Spot.

                • 3 votes
                Reply#24 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:03 PM EDT

                Unlike the Pelosi's of the world who'd vote without reading... and now we're finding out all the horrible consequences of Oblundercare.... the UNaffordable Care Act....

                But May is coming... just let the borrow/tax/squander Libtards crash into the debt ceiling... and then have to live on just what we take in.... Oblunder and the squandocrats will squeal bloody murder... grandma under the train... the starving children... no free contraceptives for leftist sluts....

                • 1 vote
                #24.1 - Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:08 AM EDT
                Reply

                3 words that sum it up ---Kick the Can

                • 1 vote
                Reply#25 - Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:08 PM EDT
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