Will Government Shutdown Be A New Fall Reality Show?

Headlining POLITICO today is a headline suggesting that the next round of talks about a government shut down could end up far differently than the last few episodes.  This fall "Shutdown" might be a new reality show.

The House GOP is hopelessly fractured on spending strategy. Senate Republicans who might otherwise broker a deal face primary challenges that make compromise potentially deadly. Other Senate Republicans are jockeying for 2016. And congressional Democrats have no appetite for any bargain — grand or otherwise — that cuts entitlement spending.

What could make the entire thing into a huge controversy is the plan by some in Congress to hold out on paying the bills unless Obamacare is de-funded.  That kind of knife fight could be very bloody.

Conservatives have been looking for a way to get rid of Obamacare.  The latest concept, tie de-funding into a deal on the debt ceiling, isn't likely to get much if any democratic support.  And since the number of House members with the guts to stand up for such a move might be small, it seems like the upcoming elections could swell the ranks of those proposing such a maneuver and wreak havoc on any plans to pay the bills again, without a budget.

Coming back from vacation is always hard, but this time Congress could find itself up against a lot more pressure than usual.

Comments

[K Elaine]

@Bill, a balanced budget is a positive goal. A shutdown will happen anyway if creditors continue to look to downgrade the U.S. because of the level of irresponsibility with tax money.

[Bill Adkins]

Is there no end to the stupiditea? Tea Party Downgrade I was just the beginning. Debt ceilings are raised so the gov't can pay bills already incurred. The Tea Party hostage takers can get away with threats like 'shutdown' before long until their bluff is called. When they shoot the hostage (no doubt while wearing hoods and standing in front of an oversized Gadsden flag while shouting "impeach" and "defund") what happens next?