Jeff Bingaman: “we are now in the 18th day of the longest Government shutdown in the history of the Nation. Serious negotiations…”

“we are now in the 18th day of the longest Government shutdown in the history of the Nation. Serious negotiations continue on the budget, but still the Republican majority in Congress refuses to pass legislation to fund the normal function of Government; that is, a clean continuing resolution. This persistent refusal to provide funding for normal Government operations is irresponsible. It is irresponsible conduct by the Republican majority, particularly in the House, which must originate appropriations bills regardless of which side may be right or wrong on the policy issues in the budget negotiations. Any time the negotiation occurs, each side begins by assessing its own as well as its opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Each side determines the actions that it can take to put pressure on the other to reach concessions. In these negotiations over the budget, for the first time in our Nation's history the Republicans who are controlling Congress have determined that they have the right to shut down the Government and they can use that right as a bargaining chip in their negotiations with the President.”