Reid Rejects Controversial GOP Spending Bill Riders

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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/reid-rejects-controversial-gop-spending-bill-riders.php?ref=fpi

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Senate will not accept the dozens of riders House Republicans added to their recently-passed spending bills -- policy measures that do everything from defund Planned Parenthood to rescind the EPA's authority to regulate pollution.

It's the latest salvo in the battle over funding the government -- and at some point House Republicans will have to decide whether they'll allow these measures to be flushed down the toilet.

Reid made the comments on a conference call to reporters after Republicans rejected his call for extending current spending levels for 30 days while the two parties craft a longer-term bill to cut those funds.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who joined the call, says he takes House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) at his word that he wants to avoid a government shutdown. But, Schumer says, Boehner is "under intense pressure from the right wing, both outside Washington and from his conference," not to negotiate with Democrats.


Reid proposes 30-day bill to avert shutdown
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110222/ap_on_re_us/us_congress_spending

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1. Whoa, who knew?

The House Republicans don't just run the joint now? They're doing all this grandstanding but not really getting anything accomplished? If the Republicans' rabidly partisan supporters get wind of this, how do you think Mr. Boehner will fare, with all his grandiose talk and limp results? Will the Tea Baggers appreciate all the nuance and shades of meaning? Understand the difficulties involved in passing legislation? Give their Republican pals a pass because they tried real hard?

Stay tuned!