Looks like shutdown zeal has just fizzled out in the Republican House. Just in case a budget deal hasn't emerged by the December 13 deadline Congress set for itself to allow plenty of time for something to pass by January 15, when the current round of funding runs out, House leadership is kicking around the idea of
passing another short-term funding bill.
The move would be aimed at shoring up consumer confidence during the Christmas shopping season. It would demonstrate Republicans intend to fund the government beyond a January 15 deadline, rather than resort to the tactics they employed in October that led to the closing of many federal agencies.
"I don't think anybody wants to be worried about a government shutdown over Christmas," said Republican Representative Blake Farenthold, who in mid-October voted against a deal to end the 16-day government shutdown.
Although House Speaker John Boehner has not yet made a decision to proceed with another temporary spending bill, aides were taking the steps necessary to allow a vote before a planned December 13 recess if a budget deal is not enacted by then.
Maybe that's a warning to Ted Cruz that they won't be snookered again. So credit where credit is due. Republicans
are capable of learning and have come to the conclusion that letting the possibility of a government shutdown linger over the holidays would be an even worse disaster for them than their last government shutdown.
Of course, all bets are off for what they decide to do after the Christmas break.