September 17, 2010
Posted by:
Nick Gattozzi
Two of our favorite topics this time of year are football (yes, even in Cleveland) and politics. While the two topics are not exactly connected, they consume much of our attention every fall, especially with a major election on our doorstep.
However, in 2011 the NFL and our federal government could be headed for similar fates. That is, they both may be shut down.
Let’s start with the NFL where the players and the league have been trying to work out a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement. While a variety of issues are on the table, what will come as no shock to anyone is that money is at the heart of the disagreement. The NFL has a ton of it, and each side wants a bigger share.
Of course, money is also at the heart of what could result in a temporary shutdown of the federal government, much like we had toward the end of 1995. Back then, the Republican-controlled Congress could not reach an agreement with President Clinton on a budget.
This time, however, the issue could be the funding of health care reform.
Regardless of what happens in midterm elections, President Obama will be in office for at least another two years, and it is extremely unlikely an all-out repeal of the health care legislation could overcome a President’s veto, let alone make it through both branches of Congress.
However, the power of the purse still lies with the Congress, and at least some Hill staffers are discussing a strategy to “choke” off the funding to implement the legislation.
Keep in mind that funding bills need to go through both the U.S. House and the US Senate. So, if the Republicans are successful in gaining control of either chamber, they could pursue this strategy. And if they do, how will the President react? It isn’t a stretch to see a future train wreck.
Category:
Advocacy
Tags:
health care,
federal government,
Obama