Government shutdown averted; long-term solution still necessary

Republicans and Democrats managed to come together on a short-term federal budget, but it is only inching in the right direction when it comes to our deficit spending and national debt.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Under the deal, the GOP won budget cuts of $39 billion for the remaining six months of the fiscal year, far more than either party had expected a few months ago. Democrats managed to hold off Republican demands to strip funding for the new health-care law and for a range of other Democratic priorities. GOP provisions to cut all federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America and National Public Radio also were dropped.

Several of Virginia’s congressmen commented on the matter:

Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-1):

“I support this effort to avoid a government shutdown and ensure the troops and their families do not have to worry if their paychecks will stop. Denying pay to our troops and their families because of political wrangling is unconscionable. These men and women risk their lives to defend our freedom here and overseas. Their families make sacrifices each day; we cannot deny them safety and security here at home, too.

“Federal spending is out of control and endangering the future prosperity of this nation. These are tough decisions to be made, and while the final package is not perfect, my goals remain: to cut spending, keep our government running efficiently, and pay our troops. We can do all these things – no excuses. Congress must do its job in the coming days to meet these goals.”

Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-9):

“A government shut down has temporarily been averted. Despite controlling the House, the Senate, and the White House last year, the Democrats failed to even pass a budget for 2011. Now we’re here at the eleventh hour cleaning up their mess. I applaud Speaker Boehner for his tireless efforts in an attempt to get the Senate to cut spending.

“Late tonight, Congress passed a short-term Continuing Resolution that will prevent an immediate government shut down, cut an additional $2 billion, and continue funding for the entire government through mid next week. This will provide the necessary time for a final CR for the remainder of 2011 to be drafted and voted on by the House and Senate. While we have been advised of the major details of a CR for the remainder of the fiscal year, I am eager to review the fine print included in this deal.”

Rep. Robert Hurt (VA-5)

“Tonight’s short-term resolution continues funding for our troops and continues our commitment to cutting spending. I look forward to the work ahead as we seek to get our fiscal house in order to reduce the debt, grow the economy, and create jobs for all Central and Southside Virginians.”

Of course, moving the ball down the field seems to be the last thing on Tim Kaine’s mind. Here’s a campaign email from the former DNC chair:

The impending government shutdown is unacceptable. Not only will it cost taxpayers more in the long run, but it’s foolish to play dice with our economy just when we’re seeing the first signs of recovery. What’s more, it’s going to hurt Virginia’s many federal workers and military families at home and abroad.

“Impending”? Shows how “in the know” Kaine is – looks like the president and the Speaker were able to find common ground and avert Kaine’s doomsday scenario – much like Governor Bob McDonnell was able to balance the budget without raising taxes as Kaine had proposed.

Kaine continues:

The impending shutdown shows us one of the primary flaws in how Washington works – or rather doesn’t work – today. Speaker Boehner shouldn’t allow our country’s budget to be held hostage by a small group with an ideological agenda trying to score political points. Republicans and Democrats need to work together to make progress on fiscal responsibility. Shutdowns, stunts and politically motivated brinksmanship aren’t going to move us forward.

Again, wishful thinking – Kaine seems to WANT a shutdown for political gain. Rather, a solution was brokered and the country HAS moved in the right direction, albeit only inches when we have miles to travel, because people like you and me have demanded that government live within its means.

The debate will continue, but it is clear Kaine still doesn’t get why it has to happen.

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