Collins suspends his own pay during federal shutdown

Though I give him respect for doing such, I feel it is pointless. He has wealth and not receiving his governmental pay check is not going to cause him any real struggles financially.

when things like this happens they should loose it all until they can play nice and stop acting like spoiled 2 year olds.

Collins is one of the many millionaires in Congress. His token salary offer is silly. His refusal to pay the government bills and his threats to not raise the debt ceiling are the real issues. These cause people real hardship, and Collins' lack of sensitivity is unacceptable. He is behaving like a spoiled child.

this is good PR. however when the government is up and running again, he'll get his pay, and to all the other government employees who are having their pay held up, they will get it and probably with interest too.........

Well David you need to get your facts straight. I am a government employee who is currently furlough but, required to still work (Essential Personnel). Yes, if they get their heads out of their arses, then I will get my back pay. However, it will not be with any interest and I will be taxed heavier since, it will be issued together in one large sum or a couple installments. Making my tax bracket higher. Hopefully, I can retrieve it back through tax returns.

Like I stated, any congressman or senator refusing pay does not matter. They are from wealth. The longer this goes on the further I fall behind on bills. They do not care that my interest rates go up, I should of used my savings to pay for bills. This economy does not allow for savings especially on a one income family. Obama and Reed are also allowing this shutdown to stay so, they can force the republicans to approve a debt ceiling raise.

Those who feel the republicans are at fault need to wake up and see that the democrats are no f-ing angels. Obama and Reed are bullies and do not care about the American People. None of them do. I will say that, the Republicans are trying to compromise and the Democrats are not. No wonder the Democrat Party is represented by a Jackass because, in this case they are surely acting like one.

If Boehner would have the balls to allow the Clean CR for a vote this shutdown could be over in FIVE MINUTES.

Apparently a clean CR was DEMANDED by the GOP in 2010....but somehow is unthinkable now....

http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=235…

"We have serious and growing concerns about the process and composition of any potential CR… At a time of extreme spending and political fatigue, it is simply unacceptable to use a must-pass CR as a legislative vehicle for more wasteful federal spending or completing an array of unfinished political business before the election,” the Republicans wrote.

“We want to make our position abundantly clear: we will not support efforts to pass a CR that contains any unnecessary spending or legislative provisions unrelated to maintaining government operations. We respectfully request that you fashion a CR true to the purpose of temporarily continuing the activities of government at the absolute minimum level necessary until we finish our work on the fiscal year 2011 spending bills,” the letter continued.

By the way 14 of those who signed this letter are currently still serving in the House.

This apparently also wasnt good enough for the GOP either......

The Senate-passed measure to keep the government operating represents an enormous compromise by progressives to avoid a damaging government shutdown. The Democrat-controlled Senate agreed to temporary funding levels that are far closer to the Republican-controlled House budget plan than they are to the Senate’s own budget for fiscal year 2014. Moreover, this concession is only the latest of many such compromises over the past several years.

The Democrat-controlled Senate passed a continuing resolution, or CR—a temporary funding measure meant to keep the government operating—that would set the relevant funding levels at an annualized total of $986 billion. That’s about $70 billion less than what the Senate endorsed as part of its comprehensive budget plan back in April. But that actually understates the extent of the compromise......

.......Progressives have repeatedly made significant concessions in order to protect the economy from a series of manufactured crises. Today’s manufactured crisis is no different. The Senate-passed legislation to keep the government open sets funding levels that are even lower than previous compromises. If the Tea Party shuts the government down anyway, it will not be because progressives were inflexible. Just ask House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)—the compromise incorporated in the Senate CR was originally his idea.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2013/09/30/76026/the…

Damn you drink a lot of Obama Kool-Aid.

"Temporary funding measure" Debbie what does temporary mean do you even know?

So, we delay it for how long? A month, six months or a year? The way Obama spends money that won't last. Guess what happens next? RIGHT BACK WHERE WE STARTED! Look what the Republicans brought to the table, exemption for the individual like Obama did for business, take away the exemption of our government officials. Yet, Obumo and Reediculous refused. Not to mention they want to raise the debt ceiling again. Oh, is not Obama the one who said, George Bush was irresponsible when he did it? Let’s not forget his statement about the deficit under Bush in which he has nearly double in half the time.

Even the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) who are Accountants stated Obamacare will bankrupt this country further.

Did you watch the Jimmy Kimmel Show a couple nights back? He took someone and had them go on the streets outside the studio and asked people what they prefer and liked more. Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act. None of the 15 asked know they were one in the same. They trashed Obamacare yet praised the ACA. Why is that Debbie? People are really confused and clueless about this healthcare system.

Damn you drink a lot Obama Haterade.

You cant see what this shut down is actually about. Did you look at what the Democrats put right in the "fiscally conservative" Republicans lap? A discretionary funding level just 19 billion over the 2014 RYAN BUDGET..and 72 billion BELOW the 2014 Senate Budget (on which the House GOP 18 times since 04/23/2013 have objected to Senator Patty Murray's request for a budget conference...you know to hammer out a budget which would end this temporary stop-gap crap). If their true motives are spending and deficit and debt....WHY DIDNT THEY TAKE THE $986 billion level the democrats COMPROMISED on and run with it and pass it IMMEDIATELY?

This shut down was merely to try to stop Obamacare because they are TERRIFIED it just might work, or at least work well enough that people will NEVER want it repealed.

Perhaps people wouldnt be so confused if elected officials such as Bachman with her "Repeal this failure before it literally kills women, kills children, kills senior citizens" or Perry and his claim that enacting a bill that passed the House, the Senate, was signed by the President and ruled constitutional by the Supreme court is "a criminal act". So you tell me why people are clueless...besides the fact that Kimmel asked people on Hollywood Boulevard, they are only worried about whats up with Kanye and Kim Kartrashian.

Debbie, Debbie, Debbie,

First of all, Had Senate Majority Leader Reid put to votes on the floor several of the appropriations bills that the house voted on and passed for a broad spectrum of matters over the course of Fiscal Year 2013, This would not have even come to be as complete government shut down. ,Yes I said that.

Several appropriations bills were held up over the course of the fiscal year for purely political reasons. So spare me. and Before you ask for a reference, here it is

http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app13.html

The bottom line is, that a Senate leader who has yet since he became leader pass an actual budget, as they are supposed to by law in the 6 or 7 years that he has had control of the senate, has little if any creditability with me in the first place.

Second, if you think this is all politics on the Republican side, think again, The Dems in power wanted this hoping they would recreate 1996 election results, they actually might pull it off, then again they may be surprised. We are going to have to see how this plays out.

Actually Debbie, they did this because they were overwhelmingly elected in their districts to fight to stop Obamacare. That is a fact, that is why there was a record setting trouncing of house Dems in 2010, and more house gains in 2012. They are doing EXACTLY what their constituents in THEIR Districts elected them to do.

Fancy that.

Mark,

1) When Senate Republicans (hello Mr. Rand Paul) try to add amendments such as Personhood (which would effectively make the use of oral contraceptives illegal) to the flood insurance bill, I cant say I blame Mr. Reid.

Thats not very libertarian of you Mr. Paul.

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/rand-paul-trying-to-add-personhood-ame…
---
2) The Senate DID pass a budget on March 23, 2013.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:SC00008:

Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray has tried 18 times since then to have a conference committee set up only to have Republicans object every time.

---
3) I didnt say Democrats do not play politics. My post to John was SPECIFICALLY about how to end the shutdown and his comments "Obama and Reed are also allowing this shutdown to stay so, they can force the republicans to approve a debt ceiling raise" and "I will say that, the Republicans are trying to compromise and the Democrats are not.".
----
4) "That is a fact, that is why there was a record setting trouncing of house Dems in 2010, and more house gains in 2012. "

Actually the Republicans lost 6 House seats in 2012.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-07/republicans-keep-house-majorit…

Oh I so do love a Good Debate

<I>1) When Senate Republicans (hello Mr. Rand Paul) try to add amendments such as Personhood (which would effectively make the use of oral contraceptives illegal) to the flood insurance bill, I cant say I blame Mr. Reid.

Thats not very libertarian of you Mr. Paul. </I>

<strong>So Senator Reid threatens to prevent a vote on a Bill and an amendment because he is politically opposed is different than Republicans blocking things that they are opposed too? ALMOST EVERY BILL is subject to non related amendments from BOTH sides. Many a times when the Republicans controlled the Senate the Democrats proposed amendments in an attempt to either get something through that wouldn't stand on it's own. Your example is one reference to one bill that did make the floor, what about the 20 or so others that did not largely to avoid political debate?</strong>

---
<I>2) The Senate DID pass a budget on March 23, 2013. </I>

<strong>What about the other SEVEN YEARS?</strong>

<I>3) I didn't say Democrats do not play politics. My post to John was SPECIFICALLY about how to end the shutdown and his comments "Obama and Reed are also allowing this shutdown to stay so, they can force the republicans to approve a debt ceiling raise" and "I will say that, the Republicans are trying to compromise and the Democrats are not.".</I>

<strong>I think John's reference was pointing to the FACT, that House Republicans have from the onset of this issue, and John was referring specifically to this issue, have asked to have a sit down on this before it got to the point of shutdown. What is getting lost is what the Republicans actually were asking for. "A 1 year exemption to the mandate because all the exceptions have been granted to BIG Business and Democrat supporters. Of course the Republicans want repeal, but there was a willingness to compromise with a simple delay in execution until the business exemptions were worked out." </strong>

<I>4) "That is a fact, that is why there was a record setting trouncing of house Dems in 2010, and more house gains in 2012. "

Actually the Republicans lost 6 House seats in 2012. </I>

<strong>Most of the house seats lost on BOTH sides in 2012 were lost due to redistricting, Democrats lost some long time members Like Kucinich, and here in NY, complete republican districts were wiped off the map. In some states complete Democratic districts suffered the same fate. In balance, Control of the house remained the same as we both know and no significant change, there were gains for republicans to compensate for redistricting, our district in particular was one of them.</strong>

On a side note, thank you for becoming active here, it is refreshing to have another to debate that doesn't consider name calling a premise to begin a discussion. Although we are obviously miles apart politically, I for one am glad that you are throwing your 2 cents in.

Damn you are good Mark......

Hate is a strong term Debbie. I do not hate Obama but, I hate the fact as the President of the United States he has continuously failed to lead by example. I hate that, he uses bully tactics to get his way. I hate the fact when, America is in a crisis he decides to leave either on vacation or some unnecessary political BS trip. I hate the fact that, our fellow Americans died in Benghazi, Libya and Obama tried to lie about it. I hate the fact he has broken numerous promises and yet most did not care. Oh, at least when President Clinton was in office he stuck around and worked out the issue. Obama acts like coward and runs away. If, it is not his way, it is no way. Unlike what the media trys to reflect, Obama's color is a non issue. I would loved to have seen Retired General Colin Powell run for President. He would have my vote.

Obama is unwilling to work with those across the aisle. Since, he is unwilling, he has failed to do his job. Therefore, he should be impeached.

Oh one last hate issue. I hate the fact he represents the Democrats.

"Hate is a strong term Debbie."

So is implying that I am a stupid mindless follower led around by my nose.

Go ahead and think he is unwilling to compromise. I posted a link of the Senate's budget compromise. If you want to ignore it I have no time nor desire to change your mind. The 1 year delay was NOT the only thing the Republicans had in their "compromise" so stating Obama and the Dems refused to deal on that is disingenuous. Look up "the conscience clause". That was present in EVERY single "compromise" they offered.

And before people go on and on about religious freedom and well just find another job then... RIDICULOUS. Cause those are the same people who go on and on about Welfare and Food Stamps and why do people have kids that they cant afford. CANT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.

Morning Mark,

Got a huge workload again (thankfully) today so I my response will be purely off the cuff with no links to back up my comments.

1) Yes I know they both do it and it is not right on either side, and do not have time today to look into what things the dems have snuck in but I can imagine it wasnt something as outrageous as outlawing oral contraception IN A FLOOD BILL. I will admit I cheated and googled instead of reading the bills in the link you gave me...I started to read the bills but it just gave me a headache and admittedly I didnt understand half of the legalese anyway. If there isnt a site that explains that stuff in simple terms to those without a law degree section for section and bill for bill there really should be. If anyone knows of such a place that is truly credible and non-partisan, a link would be appreciated.

2) The last 7 years dont matter. This present shutdown and the impending debt default is all that is relevant right now.

3) Regarding the "they were only asking for a 1 year exemption--see my response to John.

4) Republicans gained 6....Democrats gained 12. So if we go by your premise that the House vote is the most reflective of what the people want......

I really only "enjoy" talking politics when its with someone who agrees with me LOL. However I feel debate is important because that is the only thing that helps people sort through the rhetoric out there...with both side posting their facts. I might post things that make other people say "wow i never knew that" and there are times when I read something that makes ME say that.

But when debate turns into banging my head against a brick wall with minds set in stone regardless of debate I will no longer debate...it just becomes a waste of my time and time is money and I also really have no desire to raise my BP unnecessarily.

Have a nice weekend.

" Republicans gained 6....Democrats gained 12. So if we go by your premise that the House vote is the most reflective of what the people want......"

232 seats currently held by Republicans
200 seats by Democrats
3 Vacant

218 necessary to pass legislation

The Dems didn't gain 12, they gained 6, (That makes a 12 vote swing) but hardly a mandate.

The 2010 election, The Republicans gained 61 seats, (A 122 vote swing) running against ACA , not only a record, but a clear and distinct mandate.

"So is implying that I am a stupid mindless follower led around by my nose."
Once again putting another BS statement in which I never stated.

No matter what link you send it does not prove anything when it is politically motivated and it still just kicks the can down the road. The link also, proves that, Obama won't negotiate any terms from the Republicans. You just have proven once again, it is his way or no way. The Republicans' demands are not unreasonable.

The Republicans are also, speaking for every two out of three Americans who want Obamacare delay and/or eliminated. I have watch for the last four plus years more and more issues being exposed about Obamacare/Affordable Care Act. More and more Americans are seeing this and speaking up. Once again you never answer me on questions such as why Obama has exempted the government and himself from such a Great Healthcare System? Why should the majority of Americans have to pay for a program that, is benefitcial to a very few? Individuals who collect welfare have Medicaid. Yes, I do feel people who collect welfare whether for disability or any other reason should find a job and it is not ridiculious.

There are jobs out there that, people can perform with disabilities. They may not be high dollar jobs but, they could be given to help augment ones income from our taxes. I remember some guy who collected disability because, of a disability that keeps him being on his feet to long. Yet, this individual rode his bike all over town. Why, not give him a lawn mowing job riding a lawn mower and cutting the grass at a park, public grounds or for those who too old. People claim they have back issues yet sit at home all day and watch TV or play video games. So, why cant they sit behind desks and print up records on a computer? I have a friend who collects a full disability check for his back injuries yet, I recently found out through a public media and in his own admission that, he hangs drywall for a friend in Rochester. I turned him in for undocument employment since, he earns $300 under the table per week. Sounds harsh but, why should my tax dollar pay completely for him? Not to mention he has a Bodyguard/Security Company and trains martial arts. He should get limited assistance.

BTW, our Welfare system was established for our elderly and college students who could not work because of their age or because of their studies. Our welfare system is corrupted with fraud and there is not enough investigators to stop all fraud. So, you, I and everyone else who works and pays taxes flip the bill. How many people have you seen collect welfare yet, have nice cars and clothes? Some that, collect welfare buy, Caddy's or expensive clothing. They should live by their meants and if they want more work for it. No, we have become a society of taking rather than contributing to society as a whole. If, I become totally disable I would still find a way to give back if, possible. Volunteering is a great way to give back too.