Hoyer: It's The Republicans' Fault If The Government Shuts Down

[Joanne98]

Here's how the federal spending fight is shaping up -- just barely over two weeks from March 4, when the government officially runs out of money.

Democrats are warning House Republicans not to force a government shutdown while Republicans are adding more and more cuts to spending legislation -- which is being debated on the floor this week. If the March 4 deadline passes before Congress reaches an agreement, House Republicans say they'll agree to a stop-gap measure (perhaps at reduced spending levels) to allow more time to negotiate six-month spending plan.

But whether Democrats and Republicans can reach a global spending agreement, and whether that agreement will be forged on Democratic or Republican terms, depend to a great extent on negotiating tactics. Will Republicans be willing to budge from their spending levels, and particular allocations? Will Barack Obama threaten a veto?

At a roundtable with reporters Tuesday morning, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) explained the stakes.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/hoyer-if-the-government-shuts-down-its-the-republicans-repsonsibility.php?ref=fpi

[GoCubsGo]

1. I hope he and the others repeat this often and loudly.

Thom Hartmann said something really interesting this afternoon regarding the President's budget proposal and budget battle. He suggested that President Obama made the cuts he did to show people that he was willing meet the repugs part-way. We all knew they were going to propose cuts that are so draconian, they would not get past the Senate. And, if they did, that budget would never get signed. Thom seems to think that NO budgets will be passed for the next two years, and that the government will continue to be funded by continuing resolutions, as it is now. That means continue to function on the 2010 budget. He also thinks that the President will come out looking like the "only adult in the room" in the end, because the repugs are breaking their promise of working with him. I think he's onto something. Considering the alternatives, I'm fine with sticking to the 2010 budget.

[elleng]

2. Ditto, and I agree w Hartmann.

And Prez O IS the only adult in the room, and has been for 2 years.

[davidpdx]

3. I think worst comes to worst let them shut it down

They will only come out losers on the other side just like they did in the 96' election.