Democrats cave and shutdown threat evaporates

[FarCenter]

They went right up to the brink, but Senate Democrats said on Friday night that they never intended to shut down the federal government over a dispute about coal miners’ benefits.

Though they took a hard line against a GOP proposal to fund the government through April — because it extended retired miners’ health insurance for only four months — Democrats acknowledged as the midnight shutdown deadline drew near that they would not force a brief funding lapse over the matter.

“We’re not going to shut down the government. We’re going to keep it open,” said incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. “We’re going to provide the votes so we don’t shut down.”

The funding bill needs 60 votes to advance in the Senate and roll calls will occur on Friday evening.

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/government-shutdown-spending-bill-democrats-senate-232411

[hatrack]

1. Because OF COURSE THEY FUCKING DID

Dry powder and all that . . .

[napi21]

2. They have to pick their battles, and this didn't take priority. I'm all for the miers, but a gov't

shut down requires a more serious issue. I agree with the Dems on this one.

[hatrack]

4. Yes, let's wait until President Shitgibbon peels off Manchin and Heitkamp

That will keep our powder even drier, right?

[Mellomugwump]

8. I agree - They probably didn't have any intention of shutting it down

I don't think they caved, they probably just wanted to make a big deal out of it, so everybody knows who wanted to extend their benefits and who didn't, without spending any political capital on a group of people that helped elect Trump.

[Me.]

3. That's Schumer All Over For You

I wouldn't count on him over the next 4. Patty Murray was going to challenge him, I wish she had.

[TexasBushwhacker]

5. I don't approve when the GOP shuts down the government

and I don't want the Dems using the same tactics.

[napi21]

6. Agreed! the worst thing for us to do is shut down the gov't at the Holiday time of the year.

The only thing anyone would notice is "The DEMS shut everything down for Christmas". Wait until they all come back in January and THEN filibuster EVERYTHING! Welcome to 2017 Pubies!

[hatrack]

7. Yes, when they kick America in the crotch, we should respond with . . . feather boas!

Yes, that's it! Feathers!