On Saturday, a proposed deal that was meant to bring an end to Washington’s fiscal crisis came to grinding halt as House Republicans continue their accusations against President Obama of not negotiating with them. Negotiations will now go to the Senate.
Democratic leader Harry Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell met today in Washington to have talks about the crisis. However, after meeting with their leaders, House Republicans dispersed from a meeting on Saturday “accusing the White House of rejecting their ideas and refusing to negotiate with them.”
“They’re talking to the Senate now,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers.
Now that the talks are moving to the Senate, some Republican aides feel that it is unlikely that the GOP would create and submit another proposal to President Obama for review.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has received received some notoriety from a plan she drafted, which would continue the current level of government funding for six months, and the Treasury Department’s borrowing would be extended until January 31.
However, members of both parties still do not see eye to eye, even on Collins’ proposal. Democrats want a higher spending level and Republicans want a year instead of six months.
The American people are becoming tired of the standstill on Capitol Hill. The GOP needs to accept the loss and allow the government to be reopened. Enough is enough.
Joshua de Leon is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire.
