Moderate Republicans can change the situation in the House. It would take a lot of patriotism.
They can leave the Republican Party and declare themselves Independents, then caucus with Democrats. That will give John Boehner a serious warning. Moderate Republicans are the only ones with the power to change this.
There are now 232 Republicans and 200 Democrats in the House. (3 vacancies).
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/cong.aspx
If 17 Republicans become Independent and caucus with Democrats, you have 217 in the Democratic and Independent caucus and 215 in the Republican caucus. The Democrats and Independents could pick the speaker they want, say Nancy Pelosi or some compromise candidate.
Et voila. Problem solved.
It would take 17 (18 would be better) courageous Republicans anxious to save our country.
Otherwise, who knows how long this impasse could last.
Any patriots among those moderate Republicans? Anyone willing to sacrifice party affiliation to save the day?