Negotiations on shutdown, debt limit stalled
(CNN) - House Speaker John Boehner stated Sunday that a majority of his Republican colleagues continue to stand by their demand that any negotiations over reopening the federal government need to be tied directly to talks over Obamacare. The speaker also warned that Congress would not approve an increase in the nation's debt limit unless the president negotiated with congressional Republicans.
Boehner's comments come as Monday will mark the seventh day of the federal government shutdown. And to complicate matters, the White House has warned the country will no longer be able to meet its financial obligations unless its borrowing power is extended by Oct. 17. The speaker said it was imperative for the president to negotiate with Republicans.
"We're not going to pass a clean debt limit increase," Boehner said, appearing on ABC's "This Week." "I told the president, there's no way we're going to pass one. The votes are not in the House to pass a clean debt limit. And the president is risking default by not having a conversation with us."
Speaking on the government shutdown, Boehner said he stood with his fellow Republicans and emphasized that it was important to "stand and and fight" against the Affordable Care Act.
"I and my members decided the threat of Obamacare and what was happening was so important that it was time for us to take a stand. And we took a stand," the Ohio Republican said. Later in the interview, Boehner said Republicans were making this stand now because they believe the new healthcare law will have negative, long-term consequences for the country.
"I have 233 Republicans in the House," Boehner said. "And you've never seen a more dedicated group of people who are thoroughly concerned about the future of our country. They believe that Obamacare, all these regulations coming out of the administration, are threatening the future for our kids and our grandkids. It is time for us to stand and fight."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Saturday that she has 195 House Democrats who would support a resolution in line with a budget that has received support from 21 House Republicans to fund the federal government. But, for now, Boehner seems to be dismissing this option.
"This fight was going to come, one way or another. We're in the fight. We don't want to shut the government down," Boehner said, pointing to a series of piecemeal bills the House has passed to fund certain parts of the government, but that the Democratic-controlled Senate refuses to take up. The speaker was particularly critical of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and he criticized Reid's negotiating tactic as "my way or the highway."
"That's what he's saying. Complete surrender and then we'll talk to you."
The Obama administration shot back in response to Boehner's comments on ABC in a tweet by White House Press Secretary Jay Carney following the interview.
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This is the Teapublican stance in a nutshell:
"We believe that the ACA will destroy the economy. Therefore, unless the ACA is repealed we are going to destroy the economy."
Personally, the Teapublicans are making less and less sense to me in their arguments that Reid and Obama are to blame.
As a republican I believe in taking care of your own business first and not having government forced upon people as I believe Obamacare has been. Having said that, the people of the country have spoken and it is currently law... period. There is a right way to go about this and that is to repeal the law through proper channels when there is support to do so. Something that simply does not exist at this time.
I am so disappointed in the republican side of the house; they have chosen extortion as their means to attempt to change a law the do not like. That is not the way to change the law. By going about things in this manner republicans look bad and appear to be more out of touch than ever.
I appreciate the passion that is being brought to the table and I appreciate the determination to make a change. This is not the way to do it.
How do you "stall" negotiations that never were?
Well well John. You must be so proud of the havoc you wreaked on this country from your lack of leadership. What's the take away here? Don't EVER vote for another Republican!
Hello Ohio. Please remember the flaccid tool you sent to congress to represent you. Not working out all that well huh? How is that right wing Tea Troll Governor Kasich doing? Time to vote them out? Just Sayin'!
My Congressman, Rodney Frelinghuyson is probably a nice guy. That being said, he is worth be tween $20,350,188 to $65,451,000. Great for him! Plus he has free, lifetime health care for his family. Why is Rodney playing this crazy Tea Party game? Have you lost your mind Rodney! Have you no shame?
Boehner and his Tea Party affiliates have overplayed their hand are now intent on taking the country to the abyss unless their ridiculous demands are met.
Now it is"" imperative"" why wasnt it when Obama wanted to ? Oh I forgot, only the teaparty get to say who gets what and when. Vote straight DEM in 2014 and get back to governing and not OBSTRUCTING
Dear all,
There is ( media) no such thing as Obamacare it does not exist, other than as a derogatory political label. There is the " Patient Protection Affordable Care Act or PPACA. That is the only unbiased non political way to refer to the law.
Boehner says he wants a conversation 22 times... he politely forgets his and his parties 42 plus time ignorance of a law of the land and failed repeal attempts which he no tries to tie to government closure and debt ceiling and calls it negotiation /conversation.... grow up; its neither. its pure unadulterated blackmail!!
His latest stance includes cutting PPACA and spending cuts and no tax increases as pre-conditions to a debt ceiling increase.... if that's negotiating I'm a Dutchman not an American who believes in a republic and constitutional democracy.
I'll remind The honorable leader of the house of representative that our government has four pillars
1) The Presidency and Executive branch
2) The Senate or upper representative chamber
3) The House or representatives.... the purse keeper
4) The Judiciary/ legal system supposed to be politically independent.
The only place in that gives any of the four supremacy is the presidential veto.
With respect Mr. Boehner sir you are wilding the House power of the purse not as a conversation, negotiation, way of compromise, but for me what amounts to black mail or dictatorship.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Only Congress has the authority to commit this county to spending money. Congress committed this money to be spent in the past. And now their past spending has reached the debt limit. And for some reason...they seem to be blaming another branch of government for their spending, and refuse to authorize payment for their own past spending (raising the debt limit).
Yes, Republicans in Congress...we do realize that you are acting stupidly and recklessly with OUR future. Cut the drama – do your job. Deliver a clean bill, then go look at your OWN spending.
This is NOT -– repeat: NOT -– what used to be the Grand Ole Party. This is a group of self-serving nut jobs.
I have a Grand Idea======WHY NOT PROGRAM THE NATION'S SUPER COMPUTER TO MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS RELATING TO THE GOVERNMENT. This way we don't have to endure this same old BS every time these two political parties battle each other and the grandstanding effect that sickens the entire country!!!!!
No end in sight for as long we have irresponsible politicians like Boehner and the tea party!!!