House Republicans blink. Considering short term increase on debt limit.

[No Elephants]

To allow more time for "negotiations."

The triple threat in March of possible default on the nation's debt, a possible government shutdown and billions in looming across the board spending cuts could give Republicans great leverage in negotiations with Democrats, but Ryan said at this time "all options are on the table."

What is clear, is that Republicans are determined to secure substantial spending cuts and deficit reduction in upcoming negotiations.

"We think the worst thing for the economy is for this Congress and this Administration to do nothing to get our debt and deficits under control" Ryan said. "It would be wrong if we walk out of this spring with no achievement on debt reduction whatsoever because that will hurt the country, that will hurt the economy."

Republican leaders are trying to build consensus for whatever way they move forward on these fiscal issues trying to avoid a repeat of the fiscal cliff debate that revealed a divided conference, even among leadership. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, voted for the final "fiscal cliff" package that included tax rate increases and no spending cuts, as did Ryan, and Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., opposed the package.

Boehner has already said he will demand spending cuts of equal or greater value to any debt limit increase.

At the GOP retreat, leaders like Ryan and Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., are also trying to make sure rank-and-file Republicans, some who do not believe there will be economic consequences if they refuse to raise the debt ceiling, understand the repercussions that come with each choice they have to make in the upcoming deficit fights.

"Our goal is to make sure our members understand all the deadlines that are coming" Ryan said. "All the consequences of those deadlines that are coming in order so that we can make a better informed decision of how to move and how to proceed."

Ryan also said Republicans "have to also recognize the realities of divided government that we have."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57564551-10391739/ryan-floats-short-term-debt-limit-increase-idea/


Sounds as though they will be preparing their base for defeat, just in case Obama continues to stand firm.



I am so sick of the debt ceiling kabuki.

I hope Obama tells them they can either shut down government, as they did during Bubba's time--costing them dearly on election day, or they can shut up, but he's not negotiating.

Either way, it'll be a win for humankind.


Meanwhile, according to lame duck Geithner, the limit, an unimaginable 16.4 trillion, will be hit in March. Happy Spring!

[Enthusiast]

1. If they want to cut,

cut the incredibly bloated military.

[No Elephants]

2. Sorry, Enthusiats. That's a non-starter with Obama.

The other day, I posted a story that said that cuts to the military was the reason Obama rejected the Cat Food Commission plan.

And, of course, Panetta has been doing his whole Henny Penny thing about cuts to "defense" spending. Totally independent of Obama, no doubt. "Cause Cabinet Secretaries are all mavericky like that.

[Enthusiast]

3. Obama is WRONG.

About the military too.