Today, news broke that House Republicans will pass a bill next week that will raise the debt limit for three months. It will raise the nation’s borrowing limit, while they begin negotiations with Senate Democrats on a budget deal for next year. The Senate hasn’t passed a budget in 3 years. They’ve agreed to extend the limit for the long-term if a budget deal (of which would have spending cuts included) is passed by the Senate. This seems like a pretty reasonable proposal.
Now you may be asking yourself why this warrants praise. I think for two reasons:
- Politicians are like children. They need praise every once in a while.
- The best part of this deal is that if our politicians are unable to adopt a budget by April 15th their paychecks will be withheld. Yes, it seems like someone has been reading my posts. As I have said so many times, politicians will only care to truly get the job done when their entitlements are in jeopardy.
Speaker Boehner said: “we are going to pursue strategies that will obligate the Senate to finally join the House in confronting the government’s spending problem. The principle is simple: No budget, no pay.” (Have I mentioned how much I love this proposal?)
This week I’d also like to praise our newly reelected president. President Obama and I don’t always agree on certain policy. This week however, we are in sync. President Obama held a news conference on Wednesday in which he provided 23 executive orders that he wanted passed by Congress to combat the escalating gun violence in America. He like I support a ban on assault weapons.
I commend the fact he has begun the gun control debate. I think he proposed sensible measures. I think they are a step in the right direction.
I hope that our House of Representatives and Senate show some “political courage” and flex some “political muscle.”
I hope they denounce the NRA lobbyists.
I hope they do their jobs.
Who knows, if they are good boys and girls I might consider praising them someday.
Email: realtalkdebate2012@gmail.com
Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate