Think Progress reported this past week that the so-called “Shutdown Caucus” expanded to seven members when Representative-elect Steve Womack (R-AR) joined their ranks.
Some Republicans, like former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, look back at the 1995 government shutdown debacle as a cautionary tale of the practical and political costs of shutting down the federal government. Others view it as a how-to guide for the 112th Congress.Rep.-elect Steve Womack (R-AR) has opted to draw the latter lesson. According to The Hill, Womack said he would be “open” to a government shutdown over the issue of federal spending after he takes office in January. Womack joins six other members of the Shutdown Caucus, which advocates shutting down the federal government unless their demands are met. Those members of Congress calling for a shutdown now include:
– Rep.-elect Steve Womack (R-AR)
– Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA)
– Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
– Rep.-elect Tim Walberg (R-MI)
– Rep.-elect Alan Nunnellee (R-MS)
– Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
– Sen.-elect Mike Lee (R-UT)
Notice that fourth name there? Yup, Michigan’s very own Tim Walberg, who will regain his seat from Congressman Mark Schauer in January, has said he will shutdown Congress if he doesn’t get his way.
Walberg said he feels he has a clear directive from the voters, who are saying no to health-care reform, big government and deficit spending.“(Voters) are repudiating what is going on by politicians in general, and more specifically, this administration,” he said.
He said Republicans can work together to get things done with the Obama administration, but that will be up to the president.
If Obama, like then-President Bill Clinton did after the 1994 midterms, responds to the mandate from voters and understands he can’t disregard it, then he thinks Obama will do well.
“If he doesn’t, he will shut government down,” Walberg said.
Uh, no, Tim. If he doesn’t then YOU will shut government down. Let’s all just be clear on that, shall we?
I’m just sayin’…
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