Apparently acknowledging public debate over a possible government shutdown, Barton told the audience about the legislative action – called a continuing resolution – recently passed in the House that temporarily funds the government in lieu of an actual budget. The measure would fund the government for the rest of fiscal year 2011, which ends September 30, and cuts $61 billion from current spending levels.

“It had the largest spending cuts in the history of America,” Barton tried to explain to the crowd. “I hear that. Somebody says, ‘It wasn’t enough.’ Well it’s a good start in the right direction.”

In response, many in the crowd chanted, “Boo! Boo! More! More!”

The testiness was temporary. When the congressman talked about balancing the budget by also putting entitlement programs – like Medicaid and Medicare – “on the table,” the crowd cheered.