The Washington Post’s Ed O’Keefe reports that the Obama administration is (again) preparing for the possibility of a shutdown:
The Obama administration is alerting employees to the possibility of a government shutdown if talks on bills to fund the government and extend the payroll tax cut collapse later this week.
With Congress facing a midnight Friday deadline to either pass a short-term or final measure to fund government operations for the remainder of the fiscal year, Cabinet secretaries and agency heads planned to send an e-mail message to workers by close of business Wednesday informing them that a shutdown could occur, according to multiple administration officials familiar with the plans.
In a statement, Office of Management and Budget spokesman Kenneth Baer said Wednesday that “There is no reason for the government to shut down.” Congress could act quickly to pass a short- or long-term spending measure, Baer said, as they have seven times already this year.
Hill Republicans are trying to pin any talk of a shutdown clearly on President Obama’s shoulders and the position that the White House has staked out on the payroll tax cut extension bill. The president issued a veto threat last night just as the Republican version of the bill cleared the House — clearing the way for an end of year showdown over spending, taxes and Congress’ remaining business.
(Source: Politico 44)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
4 Responses
Oh, please! The government does this all the time. Talk about someone crying wolf.
Your headline is misleading. The White House has no plans to shut down since it defines itself as essential, and unlike his staff (but like Congress), the President’s pay is directly guaranteed by the Constitution.
I wonder if the politicians were once children who tried to coerce their parents by threatening to hold their breath until they got away, and unfortunately, their parents neither spanked them nor even ignored them.
Thank you democRATS & Obama.
The truth is its not that bad if the govt shuts down for a little bit. It happens from time to time and we all survive quite well thank you.
#3
This problem is caused by both parties.
As a government worker, I cannot afford to be without my salary for an exrended period of time. UInfortunately I am not like your super rich right wing nut jobs who think America is their personal cash cow.