While I was watching the news Thursday morning, I listened to Senator Orin Hatch from Utah as he was being interviewed by one of the networks. He sounded a lot like a “Tea Party” Senator agreeing with many of the freshman members of the House of Representatives. Coming from Senator Hatch, that was quite a stand.
If the more timid members of the House majority were wondering how they should act when the next vote comes up for the Continuing Resolution that keeps the government open for business, Senator Hatch gave them a cue. Unless you demand meaningful cuts to the budget by writing them into the bill you send to the Senate, you won’t even get the Democrats to vote on them.
The situation is dire enough that Senator Hatch is asking the House Leadership to challenge the Democrats by incorporating the $60 Billion or $100 Billion in cuts into the budget bill they will vote on in two weeks.
If the majority Republicans in the House make that decisive move then the ball will be in the Senate’s court for action. The Democrats will then have to play ball or they can choose to close down the government. Senator Hatch is suggesting that Republicans step up to the plate.
For those timid Republicans in the House the message is clear. The stakes are high, if you don’t have the stomach to play then get out and let someone take your seat who is willing to stand up for the principles. All you do with the wishy-washiness is demonstrate that you have neither courage nor principles.
No Loss for Words 
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