The U.S. federal government shutdown looms as Barack Obama and John Boehner are locked in talks over budget cuts and Planned Parenthood. Both sides are reporting slow progress toward a deal to keep the government funded beyond midnight. Senate majority leader Harry Reid have agreed to $38 billion in cuts which is close to the Republican proposal and enough that a deal is in place on spending levels. However, John Boehner, House Speaker, said the size of spending cuts remains the key area of dispute.
Republican aides stated earlier today they were still $5 billion apart on spending, and that both money and riders are issues. However, Democrats deny these claims. Senate Democrats are said to be preparing their own short-term spending measure to keep the government fuctioning after fridays midnight deadline.
Mr.Boehner has urged President Obama to sign the Republicans short-term version of the spending bill. However, Democrats and President Obama deny the bill because it cuts funding for groups including Planned Parenthood. Harry Reid claimed he will not allow Republicans to restrict funding on women's health service and will find other measures for short-term funding.
The shutdown that looms would affect roughly 800,000 federal employees and could also halt economic recovery. Also, housing loans may cease to process as well as pay to U.S. soilders.
I believe that Democrats and Republicans need to put down their swords long enough to make a reasonable decision based on this evidence. We have not seen a government shutdown since 1995 and while this news comes at a time when our economy is recovering, could be potentially devestating. Although I am not aware of the meticulous details of these budget cuts it seems both parties should be able to come an agreement in order to provide short-term funding so our government can continue running.
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