In what can only be described as the dumbest move in the universe, the House Republicans have again made a move to delay the implementation of Obamacare as part of the budget mess (surprising evidence that Senator Cruz failed to win the room with his 21 hour fili-non-fili event). The house has now passed a continuing resolution that included a delay (rather than repeal) of Obamacare.
Mind you, they are not creating and debating a budget, but a continuing resolution for spending at the same level- for another 75 days. Honestly, I've lost track. Does anyone even remember when an actual budget was last passed?
This is only the first of the problems the congress is facing. The second hurdle is the debt ceiling, which actually ran out back in May and is about to run out of "exceptional measures" on October 17th, according to Jack Lew, US Treasury Secretary.
Here is what is ahead:
Senate debate and vote
Monday night budget Deadline
October 17th Debt Ceiling
If Senate approved - New December 15th deadline for budget
Why is this such a big deal? Well, as attendees to the Sean Duffy event earlier this month will recall in my response to his question, "If anyone else has a strategy to defeat Obamacare ..." I answered in unequivocal terms, "Don't delay Obamacare. If it is this bad the democrats must be left to deal with the consequences in the 2014 elections." This, of course, depends on the notion that the red team wants to win elections.
In fairness, after Congressman Duffy essentially denied that the effort had occurred, he admitted he couldn't (cause) let the pain happen to Wisconsin when he voted for the original delay.
It's OK Sean...It's not your fault.
At this point it's starting to feel like both teams are picking up a light grenade.
We're going to need more (smarter) congressman.