Rattled Congress Seeks Way Out of Its Standoff

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/04/us/politics/congress-budget-battle.html?ref=politics

Category: Economy

Level: National

This article concerns policies that affect individuals and families

This article discusses the stand-off in Washington D.C. regarding the spending bill

My views:

I've always felt that the Republicans were able to influence policy more than the Democrats because they have historically been more united than Democrats. The recent move made by the House demonstrates that there is a growing divide within the Republican party. The House members who demand that restrictions be placed on the Affordable Care Act in order for a spending bill to be passed are now clearly in the minority. This minority, however, wields real power over the rest of the party and are orchestrating the farce currently unfolding in the capital.

I've always abhorred the congressional tactic of attaching unrelated items in the same bill. In the past, it seemed to serve a greater purpose, allowing the two parties to compromise and negotiate in order to get policies passed. There was give and take. No longer. The attempt to hold the spending bill hostage by attaching orders to defund the Affordable Care Act (which was passed into law, upheld by the Supreme Court, and further validated by the reelection of its author) is disgusting.

A clean spending bill must be passed without any further delay. The House's attempts to pass bills funding a few more popular government programs are clearly designed to portray the Senate Democrats as callous and uncompassionate while illustrating the House Republicans' willingness to compromise and negotiate. Let's just fund the ENTIRE government now (and please please please not try any tomfoolery while raising the debt ceiling) and talk about healthcare later. Our economy can't take any more hits. Plus I have a camping trip planned later this week with my girlfriends to a park that is currently closed due to the shut down.