Risking A Government Shutdown

45:19

April 06, 2011

A government shutdown looms as Democrats and Republicans fight over big budget cuts on Capitol Hill. We’ll dive in.

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, second from left, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday. From left are, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Va., Boehner, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of Calif., and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas. (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, second from left, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday. (AP)

Showdown time in Washington over federal spending. This isn’t over who wins a basketball game or Dancing With the Stars. It’s about whether the federal government gets shut down on Friday.

It’s about the fiscal future of the country. What kind of country we’re going to be. And, yes, it's about the highest stakes politics out there.

President Obama says it’s no time for games, we have to be grown-ups. House Speaker John Boehner says he’s going for all the cuts he can get. The Tea Party is swinging for the fences.

This hour On Point: the budget showdown in Washington.
- Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

Gail Chaddock, congressional correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor.
Major Garrett, congressional correspondent for the National Journal.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Democrat representing Ohio's 9th district.
Rep. Michael Burgess, Republican representing Texas' 26th district.

This program aired on April 6, 2011.