http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/224398-reid-gop-suggestions-of-government-shutdown-are-scaryNovember 17, 2014, 02:19 pm
Reid: GOP suggestions of shutdown are ‘scary’
By Ramsey Cox
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) warned Republican leaders not to listen to members in their caucus calling for yet another government shutdown in an effort to thwart President Obama on immigration.
“Republican leaders want to work together to keep the government funded,” Reid said on the Senate floor Monday. “We’ve heard there will be no government shutdown, but some in their caucus are saying some scary things.”
Some Republicans have suggested blocking a long-term funding bill to keep the government open unless it contains language preventing presidential executive orders on immigration.
Lawmakers have until Dec. 11 to pass a funding bill to prevent another government shutdown. Last year, Republicans caused a government shutdown for nearly two weeks over the funding of ObamaCare.
“Sadly, though, we’ve seen this before — the government has been shut down,” Reid said. “How is it possible that there is even talk of this happening again?”
Reid said he hopes GOP leaders can stand up to “Tea Party radicals” who “intend on holding our government hostage.”
In addition to the spending bill, Reid said the Senate must pass a tax extender package, reauthorize the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and confirm dozens of Obama nominations before the end of the year.
Democrats will no longer control the Senate next year, after losing several seats in the midterm elections.
