To govern in a divided government and get results, one must be open to compromise. And I know the American people and the people of Colorado expect us to govern.
We are now in the second week of a government shutdown. To compound matters, the country will reach its authorized debt limit in a little over a week. Congress and President Obama must end this partisan drama by passing a spending bill to reopen the government, avert an economic crisis by passing an increase in the debt limit, and immediately begin working on a bipartisan solution to stop Washington’s spending problem.
I’ve said all along that I didn’t want a Government shutdown. It’s sad that partisan bickering has led us to where we are; hopefully some bipartisan solutions can lead us out.
It might not be popular to say so, but I believe that extremists in both parties have kept us from finding real solutions. It concerns me that some Democrats appear to be “rooting for a shutdown” because they think it helps them politically. And likewise, it also concerns me that some Republicans used the flawed strategy of a shutdown for what appears to be nothing more than an exercise in national fundraising.
I have done my best to delay, defund and dismantle all or parts of Obamacare because I believe that much of it will be harmful to this country in the long run. Lost in the shutdown coverage, the problems with the new ObamaCare exchanges are a major cause for concern. However, the debate over attaching Obamacare to a spending bill must end and I will argue before my colleagues in the House that we need to pass a “clean” spending bill to immediately reopen the government. Reducing spending remains my top concern, that’s why I believe this funding resolution should stay within the spending caps that both parties agreed to last time the nation’s debt limit was increased in 2011.
The United States is now buried under a staggering $17 trillion in red ink and we are on a trajectory to face a debt crisis that could eventually threaten our national security. President Obama has previously said that he will not negotiate on another increase to the debt limit and instead wants all future increases to occur automatically without the consent of Congress. Most voters disagree with that plan too, since Washington could pretend that its spending problem doesn’t exist.
President Obama is now saying that he is willing to negotiate on additional steps to bring down the debt but only after the partial shutdown has ended and the debt limit is once again raised. I will take him at his word that he is willing to work with Republicans on a budget agreement to bring down our debt. I will support a temporary increase in the debt limit that is long enough for Republicans and Democrats to come together and work toward a bipartisan solution on a budget agreement that will put our country on a sustainable fiscal path. If that’s 6 months, 12 months or longer I am open to any plan that brings back economic certainty to the markets and reopens the Government.
Compromise solutions like this will get us back on track. As a member of the bipartisan group called “No Labels” I believe that Washington’s broken, and that both parties need to stop playing games. If we start acting seriously about these real issues, I know we can get results.
Does coffman understand what the word “unprecedented” means?
The dems already cut millions from the budget while rethugs seemed to get everything they wanted. They negotiated already and gave up a lot.
Now rethugs want 110% more and will do, and have already done, acts that will severely hurt most Americans with seemingly no caring about the 99%. He writes like he is so reasonable, yet still votes with gop extremists. Destroying the government means we get oligarchy. It seem that we have that already. 80 congress rethugs gerrymandered their safe districts and have no fear.
They get pensions, full lifetime healthcare, perks benefits and bonuses while voting to take health care, food from infants and elderly, help from Veterans. They are the lowest of the low. And sadly the rethug party have lied and cheated their way into being called the Christian representative party. They are very far from Christians and I wish people that vote for them, would just look at their voting records and results. You will see many votes to help billionaires while afflicting the afflicted. All under the lie that the gubmint is STEALING YOUR MONEY TO GIVE TO WELFARE QUEENS!!!!!
You know that lie that your st. raygun used to gin up racism and hate for “the others”
Christians, please quit voting for these liars and anti-Christs and lets put up some true Christian men and women to run. Lets take Washington back for the people, not the elite billionaires that demand our worship or they will destroy government!
Not sure where you are coming from? And you obviously don’t know much of his resume. Serving in Colorado House as representative, senator, state treasurer, secretary of state, and now Representative for District 6, he displayed none of the characteristics you name. And before that he served in Army, went to college, and served as military officer in Marines, retiring as a Major. Recalled to active duty 3 times to serve in middle east (Iraq) taking leave of absence from Treasurers job for that period. And just where and how do you believe he is not Christian. This looks like something coming out of a spin shop, and written by light of a green bulb (is that reason for email name)? Rep. Mike Coffman is representing seniors – veterans- retirees- on the committees assigned in Washington, and does represent my views (served 26 years in military- retired in 1976), and especially my property and retirement pensions. Present administration is trying hard to alter my healthcare benefits, after I earned them during cold war (Korea to Vietnam) years. DoD listed healthcare for spouse and me, after retirement as compensation and part of my retirement for serving at low pay, slow promotions, and being separated from family for long periods. I completed my part of contract, but congress reneged on their part. Tricare was then passed in 2001 as partial payment. So I don’t understand you, green lantern.
A Vet with common sense.