Marketwatch: Why John Boehner quitting may avert government shutdown

[villager]

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — A prolonged government shutdown is probably less likely after the stunning decision by House Speaker John Boehner to quit his job.

Here’s why. Boehner isn't planning to leave office until the end of the October. That gives him plenty of time to deal with a looming standoff over funding for Planned Parenthood — and cut deals with Democrats if necessary to either avert a shutdown or keep it short. Boehner has relied on Democrats in the past to sidestep conservative resistance to budget deals with the White House.

“He will be free to prevent a government shutdown, as he has said he wants to do, by doing what he’s done numerous times, and that’s to pass a bill with [Democratic Minority Leader Nancy] Pelosi’s help,” said analyst Omar Sharif at SG Americas Security. “After that, he can ride off into the sunset.”

The fight over Planned Parenthood was clearly the last straw for Boehner, who has been under fire among the most conservative members of his party for his reluctance to confront the Obama administration.

Staunch conservatives in the House want Congress to cut off funding for the Planned Parenthood in the wake of videos alleging that the group was sell fetal parts. If Congress doesn’t pass a funding bill, much of the federal government could shut down starting on Oct. 1.

Boehner and his Republican counterpart in the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, both believe a fight over Planned Parenthood is a losing battle. McConnell has promised to avoid a government shutdown and his conservatives colleagues in the Senate are less inclined to go to the mat.

The White House, for its part, has vowed to veto any bill that defunds Planned Parenthood, a move that would trigger a government shutdown.

Republican leaders believe another impasse like the 16-day shutdown in 2013 could hand the Democrats an easy PR victory, gravely damaging the party’s chances to win the 2016 presidential election. The image of the Republican party could especially take a hit after this week’s appearance by the pope urging Congress to show more unity and to tackle big issues.

Republican presidential candidates, meanwhile, are split over what to do about Planned Parenthood.

<snip>

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-john-boehner-quitting-may-avert-government-shutdown-2015-09-25

[virtualobserver]

1. they may try to oust him prior to his actual resignation

[villager]

2. They could...

...but that will start the foot-shooting even earlier...