Continuing resolutions?
posted at 9:30 am on September 24, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Democrats control a solid majority in the House of Representatives. They have a nearly filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate. Their party controls the White House. With all of that power, one would expect the budgetary process to flow smoothly enough for Congress to pass appropriations normally, especially since budget bills are not subject to a filibuster in the Senate.
What the heck are Democrats doing on Capitol Hill?
Democrats moved ahead Wednesday with a continuing resolution to keep government running past the end of the month, but Republicans are protesting how House leaders are going about it.
House Democratic leaders plan to attach the continuing resolution to the legislative branch spending bill. That package is likely to be voted on by the House on Friday.
The continuing resolution is necessary to avoid a government shutdown in October, the first month of the fiscal year. None of the 2010 appropriations bills have become law.
Democrats played this game for the 2009 budget in order to avoid having to negotiate the budget with outgoing President George W. Bush. They stalled through continuing resolutions and then passed a pork-filled omnibus bill early this year, which Obama obligingly signed. Obama has hardly demanded spending discipline from this Congress and has shown nothing but obsequious obeisance to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in allowing them to shape the actual bills for his legislative agenda all year long.
They have no excuse in 2010. Bush is no longer the problem. Republicans don’t have the votes to stop a budget bill without serious conflict within the Democratic caucuses. This is flat-out incompetence and failure to focus on Congress’ primary responsibility of producing a budget for the upcoming fiscal year on time.
Republicans so far have only made an issue of the form in which the continuing resolution will get a vote, attached to another bill that they also don’t like, which limits their parliamentary options. They need to start challenging Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid on their incompetent handling of Congress. With this much power, the Democrats have no excuse for issuing continuing resolutions except for their obsession with creating massive government interventions into the private lives of Americans on health care and energy.
And if Congress can’t get its most basic task done properly and on time, what makes anyone think they can handle those choices for us in the future?
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Oh that would be sweet.
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:33 AM
You should really mention that the GOP was horrible at getting a budget passed on time. I believe in 2002 they got none passed by the Oct. 1 deadline and never had a complete budget done after that.
taney71 on September 24, 2009 at 9:34 AM
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:33 AM
You beat me to it.
milwife88 on September 24, 2009 at 9:34 AM
They’re just trying to prevents a govt shutdown or something. Leave them alone!
Akzed on September 24, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Reid will be gone! And God I hope Pelosi loses her job next year too!
JAM on September 24, 2009 at 9:35 AM
You have to wonder if they are avoiding producing a comprehensive budget to avoid creating another political target for 2010. A budget produced by Democrats would reveal their true colors and paint a clear picture to voters what they have wrought.
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:35 AM
This has been a very productive Congress. Why produce a budget when you’d need to acknowledge that you are spending beyond your means? The Al Gore Rhythm: a) Pull money out of the till and throw it about. b) print more money and put in till. c) go to (a).
I’m an older programmer, and gotos are OK.
unclesmrgol on September 24, 2009 at 9:36 AM
obsequious obeisance? looks like I’ll be running to dictionary.com since I forget what they both mean.
But anyway budget smudget they’ve got govt takeovers to worry about, come on.
gsherin on September 24, 2009 at 9:37 AM
I agree with this, obviously:
“They need to start challenging Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid on their incompetent handling of Congress.”
However, I think if it plays out the same way as 2009, it could be good for the Republicans. Keep pushing a huge spending bill closer to the midterm elections. Because that’s exactly what the voters want, right?
They could get it done now, and give it time to blow over, or they could delay and have it fresh in constituents’ minds.
Abby Adams on September 24, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Probably cause the non-fiscal conservatives started to assert themselves to forment the downfall of the GOP.
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:37 AM
It’s so much easier to write the check if you don’t have to look at the balance of your checkbook.
JackS on September 24, 2009 at 9:39 AM
o-ho! Let’s not get that programming language diversion going again.
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Is there anyone to charge our federal government with NSF fees? China?
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:40 AM
I for one am satified that they can’t legislate. The less they get done the better; and if the government has to shut down completely I will be elated. I hope it shuts down till 2012.
PatriotRider on September 24, 2009 at 9:41 AM
And this would be a bad thing?
Wethal on September 24, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Democrats bludgeoned Republicans with this issue in 2004 and 2006. I know there is video of Nancy Pelosi PROMISING that all appropriations bills will be passed on time. It was part of that whole “Open Government – Honest Leadership” crapola that they came out with as a liberal version of the Contract With America. Republicans ought to be HAMMERING Pelosi with this every single day during Special Orders, and asking every morning why the day’s calendar includes no appropriations bills.
This is even more important the health care right now, especially in the House. It’s an issue we can beat Democrats over the head with for the next month and at least try to get some embarrassing editorials out of the state-run media.
rockmom on September 24, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Also remember, Jeffords switched in May, 01 and the Senate was under the control of the Dems until after the 04 elections.
SouthernRoots on September 24, 2009 at 9:43 AM
unclesmrgol on September 24, 2009 at 9:36 AM
I’m a way too long unemployed programmer, but I always loved how they said gotos created “spaghetti logic”.
gsherin on September 24, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I love the picture of those two dimwits.
tim c on September 24, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Let the Democrat thugs shut down the government. Padlock the White House and move the Chicago Jesus to a Motel 6.
Make Pelosi hitchhike back to her district.
The only thing we need from the government is our military, and they can be funded by seizing the criminal gains of Rangel, all Osama Obama’s shadowy pals and ACORN.
MrScribbler on September 24, 2009 at 9:45 AM
In 30 years of programming, I’ve used a goto precisely once. It solved a problem of getting out of a multiply embedded loop.
On the other hand, I’ve had to use a longjmp() several hundred times in the past year.
MarkTheGreat on September 24, 2009 at 9:46 AM
agree with ya there, however, crickets are chirping in the (R) aisle….totally frustrating!!!
cmsinaz on September 24, 2009 at 9:46 AM
In fairness, didn’t the GOP retake the Senate after the 2002 midterms? Can anyone confirm this?
Doughboy on September 24, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Pelosi and Reid are prime poster subjects for birth control. How clueless people like these get in power in the first place is beyond me, other than their electorate is similarly clueless.
bradley11 on September 24, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Next time around, let’s put it in our Constitution that ALL legislation will be limited by a sunset provision not to exceed, say, 6 or 10 years. At the end of that period, the legislation will expire if not voted up again and renewed for another 6-10 years.
The idea is (1) to give some protection against permanent (or transformative) damage such as we’re seeing done now, and
(2) interrupt the accumulation of regulation that occurs inevitably from the ratchet effect.
petefrt on September 24, 2009 at 9:50 AM
They’re just to busy trying to socialize medicine, shut down our economy through cap and trade, and trying to take away all non-governmental student loans to bother with a budget bill to actually run the government. Priorities.
Vashta.Nerada on September 24, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Those two worthless dolts must be replaced.
rplat on September 24, 2009 at 9:52 AM
Well, Pelosi and Reid are incompetent AND corrupt, so we have that going for us.
The lesson here is this: Democrats always suck in every which way possible.
Once we understand this simple idea, understanding politics becomes much easier.
NoDonkey on September 24, 2009 at 9:52 AM
Better yet, use the Texas option. Our legislature meets for six months every two years. There is no reason for the position of US congressman to be a full-time job. They are well beyond what is authorized in the Constitution already, why give them time to meddle more?
Vashta.Nerada on September 24, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Why? This is a demorat-majority government now so they get the barbs. Wait until the GOP is back in control and then you can make an issue of their governance.
Bishop on September 24, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Why get in the way while Pelosi and Reid are digging a grave for the dead donkey?
If Republicans say something, it just gives the press a diversion so they can ignore the real story, the absolute and complete incompetence/corruption of the absolutely worthless Democrat Party.
NoDonkey on September 24, 2009 at 9:55 AM
http://speaker.house.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0005
Owned.
Abby Adams on September 24, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Your statement reminded my of It’s a Wonderful LIfe when George was talking to his Dad telling hime how he has it all figured out for college for hime and Harry. George stated he saved his money to pay for college and that Harry will do the same why George is at college.
Nowadays, where’s my government subsidy???
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 9:57 AM
I, too, am waiting with baited breath for the new budget. I’m trying to re-enlist, but want to see what kind of bonus (if any) I’ll have coming my way. So hurry up, Nancy! Daddy’s trying to stay in the Army!
Spc Steve on September 24, 2009 at 9:57 AM
GOTOs are easy to read and follow. They are essential with multiple nested loops where you may jump part way out or all the way out, conditionally.
When the math gets harry, the old style works best.
Pythagoras on September 24, 2009 at 9:57 AM
But…but…but….You expect us to do our jobs!!!
s/
BillyGoatGruff on September 24, 2009 at 9:58 AM
From that link:
Ahem.
Abby Adams on September 24, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Ed, you spelled incontenece wrong in the subtitle.
farright on September 24, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Could be that the dems are intentionally using the same strategy to allow them cover for trying to sneak some legislation in that would not stand on its own merits.
ICBM on September 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Nancy in the picture looks like she’s getting her mouth in shape for a meeting with Obama.
Bat Chain Puller on September 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Anti-American Gothic.
BuckeyeSam on September 24, 2009 at 10:01 AM
You go, Ed!
KS Rex on September 24, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Double owned:
http://speaker.house.gov/blog/?p=784
Abby Adams on September 24, 2009 at 10:02 AM
This is going to haunt them in 2010.
Mr. Joe on September 24, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Incontenence or incontinence?
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incontinence
BuckeyeSam on September 24, 2009 at 10:05 AM
If they pass a budget bill now they can’t use it as leverage for the health care legislation. Either for voting incentives or for a non-filibuster ram health care through the system gambit.
Skywise on September 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM
BuckeyeSam, the fact that you looked up Merriam’s Dictionary, the… definition of incontinence, indicates to me that you’re stretching a little bit right now. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to the… dictionary to check on the definition. ;-)
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Most competent Congress evah.
CP on September 24, 2009 at 10:09 AM
You are right, so much for spelling police.
farright on September 24, 2009 at 10:09 AM
OH! OH! OH! With no federal budget, who will pay my mortgage? Who will buy gas for my car? Who will buy me a car? Who will buy my groceries and satisfy my every desire? WHO? WHO? WHO?
oldleprechaun on September 24, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Libs are about pushing radical ideas, they are not about running the everyday nuts ‘n bolts of a government. Never have been never will be. Its not in their mindset. Just another reason to vote this mess out in 2010 & 2012.
jbh45 on September 24, 2009 at 10:11 AM
I agree. There’s so much chaos right now the harm it would do would only be 2nd to the good it would probably do.
I’m ready for anything to wake up America.
Badger40 on September 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I like that picture, they look like a pair of wax figures.
Jeff on September 24, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Each looks like the other in drag. Horrifying. They will forever be the icons of fecklessness, venality, and appeasement in our time.
Western_Civ on September 24, 2009 at 10:21 AM
How in the world did the Keystone Cops become our “leaders”?
Cindy Munford on September 24, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I’d certainly support that. Plus, salaries should be limited enough so that no one would go into federal politics for the money in it. For members of Congress, say $35K max plus reasonable expenses. If ever there were a place for salary limits, it’s in the gubmit.
I beleive the founders’ idea was that people elected to gubmit would make their living in the private sector, and do the gubmit job basically as a volunteer public service. As it should be. Down with the career politicians. Down with the hacks.
petefrt on September 24, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Let’s be fair — rebuking Joe Wilson was an arduous process. And ducking Charlie Rangel investigations is pretty time-consuming, too. You try doing those things and see how exhausting it is.
Mr. D on September 24, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Pelosi’s negatives are so terrible on BOTH sides of the isle that the GOP and the blogosphere really need to relabel “Obamacare” as “Pelosicare”.
Especially since it’s essentially HER plan anyway.
Khorum on September 24, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I am 100% in favor of govt. shutdown.
Just sayin’
WashingtonsWake on September 24, 2009 at 10:29 AM
This is almost comical. Even with near total power in Washington, the Dems are afraid to pass an actual budget because they don’t want to be held responsible for it. So why exactly did they want the majority power in the first place? Can we just close this nursery school and put the adults back in charge?
jwolf on September 24, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Only in the face. Nancy’s got a neck like a sharpei. I’m feeling quite petty this morning, sorry.
sherry on September 24, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Silly Ed!
Budgets are for normal people. Our intellectual elites in Congress don’t need budgets.
bitsy on September 24, 2009 at 10:37 AM
There sure a lot of Jeffs on Hot Air…..
Not to repeat myself, but I once noted that this photo reminds me of a demented ventriloquist act. There were many hilarious follow-up comments.
UltimateBob on September 24, 2009 at 10:39 AM
But only if it could be made permament.
UltimateBob on September 24, 2009 at 10:40 AM
An oxymoron.
Johan Klaus on September 24, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Hmmm….
I seem to remember our Precedent Promising to go through the budget “Line by Line” as well…
Romeo13 on September 24, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I seem to remember our Precedent Promising to go through the budget “Line by Line” as well…
Romeo13 on September 24, 2009 at 10:43 AM
See, that’s just the point. Pelosi and Reid are saving Obama from another lie. No budget, no promise.
jwolf on September 24, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Hey Vanna, can I buy a clue?
Blacksmith8 on September 24, 2009 at 10:51 AM
You mean they’re still hiding ‘their true colors’?
Blacksmith8 on September 24, 2009 at 10:53 AM
I’m not seeing that. Breaking a promise doesn’t even slow the ‘Won’ down. He blows through ‘em without hesitation.
Sorry about the ‘blow’ remark. It was unintentional. Believe me.
Blacksmith8 on September 24, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Not to mention, out of control government spending.
rbj on September 24, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Hold on. I didn’t think the lame stream media needed an excuse. They certainly aren’t even trying to make excuses. Of course when you’re 24/7 glossing over the bottom of the cistern, it’s somewhat complicated to realize that YOU ARE TOTALLY IN THE TANK YOU SCUM SUCKING IDIOTS
nbsp;
FREEDOM!
Blacksmith8 on September 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM
It didn’t take the Democrat Congress long to ram through the Porkulus, even if most of the money hasn’t been spent yet.
After Porkulus passed in February, the Democrats had seven months (up until now) to pass appropriations bills, which they could have done without Republican input.
Instead, they wasted their time on two trillion-dollar boondoggles: Cap and Trade, which narrowly passed the House but is seriously bogged down in the Senate (for good reason!) and socialized medicine, which has sparked massive protests across the nation all summer, and nobody knows whether it could pass the House, much less the Senate.
This is probably Obama’s fault more than that of Congress. He has been focused on jamming HIS socialist agenda through Congress in a hurry before anybody wakes up and figures out what he’s doing to them, but it’s probably too late–people are riled up against him! Meanwhile, little mundane boring things like funding the Government for the year–Obama can’t be bothered.
Judgment to Lead?
Steve Z on September 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Like global warming some people still believe the Dems are fiscally responsible. Don’t know why, but some do. At least the GOP can claim the mid-90’s as a sign they can be at times.
WashJeff on September 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Budgets?, Budgets?, We don’t need no stinking budgets. We don’t need to show you no stinking budgets.
Who knew? Pelosi/Reid are Bogie fans.
Blacksmith8 on September 24, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I believe they are fiscally responsible for first ruining our economy and then hobbling the recovery, does that count?
NoDonkey on September 24, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I sure hope so. I’m getting sick of seeing their sour pusses.
davidk on September 24, 2009 at 11:20 AM
There is a better chance of him tiptoeing through the tulips.
ICBM on September 24, 2009 at 11:23 AM
That picture always makes me think Dingy Harry grabbed Pelosi’s ass.
la.rt.wngr on September 24, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Please. Let them shut down the government. Who in the world would object this time?
kens on September 24, 2009 at 11:29 AM
And remember that the start of the fiscal year was changed from July 1 to October 1 because that would give Congress sufficient time to pass the budget before the end of the fiscal year.
slp on September 24, 2009 at 11:35 AM
P.BO does that because even he knows he is woefully incompetent to handle the demands of the Oval Office. He gulp trusts Frick ‘n Frack to do what they are supposed to do.
Problem is – neither of them has the competence to do their jobs either.
We are well and truly screwed.
KrisinNE on September 24, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Check out The Fred Thompson Show this hour: Dennis Schilling – Former City Councilmember and Vice Mayor for Lake Havasu City, AZ – Promoting Saturday’s “Un-Elect Harry Reid Rally” is being held in his hometown of Searchlight, Nevada. Population 800
maverick muse on September 24, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Turn the Capitol on end and shake the whole lot of them out and let’s start over. I know that is not the Common-sense Conservative view of reality, but it is a nice fantasy.
Term limits need to be enacted. The term limit for the presidency was instituted when FDR abused the tradition and ran four times. I think these life-time, career politicians have also abused the spirit of the Constitution and our fore-fathers intent. If the members of Congress can not discipline their ambitions, then let’s put a clamp on them.
Mallard T. Drake on September 24, 2009 at 1:16 PM
I think the issue here is simply “representative government.” Reid and Pelosi view that as an inconvenience that they are trying desperately to eliminate. If they could just lead by proclamation, all these problems of rules, and such, would go away.
BKeyser on September 24, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Tom_Holsinger on September 24, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Why don’t we shut the govt. down for the entire month of October? Octoberfest, here we come!
Mojave Mark on September 24, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Put a pitchfork in Dingy Harry’s hand and the photo of him and Pelosi-tox could be titled “American Socialist Gothic”.
InfantryBeanie on September 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Pay attention to the right hand. Classic prestidigitation. The Dems know they have to put whopping tax increases into the budget – regardless of how health care reform and cap and trade go. They are just trying to make us look elsewhere until late enough in the electoral process for 2010 to get away with it.
TubbyHubby on September 24, 2009 at 8:20 PM
No one I know thinks they can, nor should they be permitted to.
outnumberedinparadise on September 24, 2009 at 8:44 PM
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