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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oh my god, these guys
If I could buy affordable health insurance that would be accepted at most reputable hospitals I would not fear losing my job so much. As a matter of fact I may actually stop putting up with the "do more with less" and the 1 or 2% annual increases and try doing something I actually enjoy doing. Maybe even start my own business.
Hey Boehner, stop using health care and and access to health care as LEVERAGE to make people work in crummy jobs they hate for low pay and long hours for your corporate paymasters!
embarrassing.......................
I feel sorry for the millions of Americans who wasted their votes on these irresponsible fools. While Independents have a hard time winning, its actually impossible for Democrats and Republicans to govern. Hopefully we can throw these ilk out of our government sooner than later by ballot.
If the republicans are so convinced that the Affordable Care Act is such a disaster, why not let it happen so they can prove themselves right? I believe they are afraid it will succeed and that is why they are going to such extremes to block it.
I got more work done today watching football than Boehner did all week.
If Boehner believes in his fellow Republicans so much why doesn't he call for the vote? Being speaker that is his job. If Pelosi is correct the votes are there for a Clean Bill to pass. Now it sounds even worse about Republican intransigence because there leader is in theory personally involved with America committing suicide.
I smell a rat...
You shutdown the government over an existing law! You have now by passed our functional government and shut it down for your own gains. Ok...I hope you get voted out and exterminated. Just to clarify...I am an Independent.
Surrender, John.
Kruz is another shinig example of the depths that radical Tea Party politicians will sink to in their disgusting effort to obstruct President Obama. Ever since their loss in 2012, their ONLY intent has been to delay, damage, and undo ANY attempt by the President to help America recover after the Republican owned banks nearly ruined the economy. Kruz is worse than a terrorist. He's a turncoat.
At least 2.7 million Americans have given their lives in defense of democracy and many millions more have given blood and family. Boehner's refusal to honor the democratic process in the peoples House is an act TREASON.
This is one of those moments where GOP is acting like a gang...the american people chose obama for his stuff. we are tired of being terrorized be americas worst terrorist group...the GOP
So they think Obamacare will damage the country. Do they think shutting down the government is not going to damage the country?? Do they think destroying our credit rating is better?? Are they nuts, stupid or so freaked out we have a black president who may go down in history as a great president?
What they are doing is destroying our republic, that a minority can overpower a majority. Even if you don't like the Affordable Care Act, you have to agree it was made a law fair and square, upheld by the Supreme Court and the President was re-elected on it by a MAJORITY, (not like how Bush defeated Gore).
This is the way it works, majority rules. They are acting like Julius Caesar. We need a Brutus and a Cassius.
Back in early 2001 I remember the Repubs, heavy with success, declared they would remain in power for a century.
After this debacle which is solely about them trying the destroy the ACA, I'll be surprised if they become the majority party again within a century.
President Obama won't negotiate with us...we want to negotiate BUT untying Affordable Healthcare from CR is NOT NEGOTIABLE! Is this nonsense fore real? What is for real is that Republicans passed last year's budget. IMPLICIT in that was the BUDGETED DEFICIT would have to be funded by raising the debt limit....that's what the Republicans did....so let's move on....Article 14!
There's nothing to negotiate, ACA is law. Democratically voted into law, signed by the POTUS, upheld by SCOTUS. And was a major part of the platform that the POTUS was RE-elected on. Stop holding the country hostage. Move forward and work to alter the ACA through the proper method if you feel it needs doing.
Boehner is beating a dead horse.......The Affordable Care Act is what Seniors, families and all other American people are
waiting for. Women who have Rhematoid Arthitis are classied as Pre-exsising conditions, Asthma, Heart problems and the like judged by Pre-exsisting. The Insurance is going to keep them safe and secure as well as families who struggle with the same issues........ Boehner and RepubliTARDS are holding this Great Country hostage and Families who depend on the salaries they make serving this country are at risk. Now they think they will pick and choose who gets paid and not? This is shameful. This land for Veterans Spouses, Families who have NO Insurance, are NOW getting the coverage they need, will not be played for pawns of Blind and arrogant TARDS. The Children who are waiting cancer treatments and will lead the way to new cures, How do you think their families feel? Your Last Champaign was a GIANT failure becuase ALL the republicans forgot the New Poor in this country. Not Illegals, but American people. Get out of the way
of Health Care and further more, your names will be remembered when a tragedy happens and the Guard can't work, or CDC or Care Centers for the poor. Just Shameful......
Dear John, Put the clean CR on the floor for a vote. You are a real tool of the rich, aren't you?
Okay here is one. Cut tax subsidies for all big oil companies. How about that one John.
I wouldn't talk to you either because you can't win this fight. Well, when everythng comes to a standstill, let's see what the rich have to say when it hits their wallets.
In every War our country raised taxes to help pay the enormous expenses;except Iraq& Afghanistan when Republicans
lowered them,result aGreat Depression. Now they whine that Obama & Dems are not fixing economy"fast enough'
THey obstruct everything and are willng to bring our country down and bring on another Depression
This WWII Bomber pilot says"SHAME ON YOU"
This has been a long time coming for the government to shut down. We can't continue to be the america we've been since the end of WWII. Everyone is to blame for this F.U.B.A.R we are in. Since 2008 this country has been in a steady decline due to our government. The politicians continue to destroy our once great and proud country and now with this looming threat of the of defaulting on our debt it spells an even bigger problem than this OBAMACARE thing. Since the establishment of the TEA PARTY they are doing what many of us have been saying they are trying to do. Set up for a NEW WORLD ORDER. In 11 days if nothing is done many of us must prepare what could be the fall of order, and the fall of our government.
In other words: defund/repeal the ACA or we will blow up the economy that you, Mr. President, has worked so hard to turn around. As one American to the Speaker: Go ahead, make my day. This is not about you or the President or whatever issues you have with the President. This is about the willful destruction of the nation.
The Republican Tea Party is a joke and it is not funny. Shame on Speaker Boehner and the Republican Party for allowing insurgent Tea Partiers to take control of the party's agenda. Shame on Speaker Boehner and the Republican establishment for not standing up to them.