Homeland Security funding drama darkens U.S. fiscal outlook

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Homeland Security funding drama darkens U.S. fiscal outlook

BY RICHARD COWAN AND DAVID LAWDER
WASHINGTON Sun Mar 1, 2015 9:18am EST

(Reuters) - Congress narrowly averted a partial shutdown of the U.S. domestic security agency late on Friday night, but the forces behind the chaotic episode remain - fractious Republicans and House Speaker John Boehner's lack of control over them.

That may portend more serious trouble ahead as Washington confronts fiscal challenges on a grander scale. In five to seven months, the federal debt ceiling will again be reached, and by October Congress must pass spending bills to keep the government running in the new fiscal year.

Failing to deal effectively with these issues could have much more damaging repercussions - such as a broad government shutdown or a debt default - than a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

What happens between now and then, including the handling of a one-week extension of Homeland Security funding, will be crucial. Some conservatives speak of ousting Boehner, but it is unlikely they can muster enough votes, while others made clear on Friday that they were willing to take big risks to score ideological points.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/01/us-usa-congress-republicans-idUSKBN0LX13B20150301

[williesgirl]

1. They sure don't give a shit about Americans, unless they're rich & pay bribes