Obama set to sign stopgap budget bill

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

President Obama is scheduled to formally sign into law on Saturday a provision that will keep the federal government running through most of next week — long enough for congressional leaders to put the finishing touches on a budget compromise that will keep the federal government funded for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Obama’s promise to sign the agreement was critical to averting a government shutdown at midnight Friday. Just before 11 p.m., House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) announced that a deal had come together in a few frantic hours at the near-deserted Capitol.

“I’m pleased that Senator Reid and I and the White House have been able to come to an agreement that will, in fact, cut spending and keep our government open,” Boehner said at an impromptu news conference, mentioning Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.).

Shortly after, President Obama read a statement from the White House, pointing out that the Washington Monument, seen lit up over his shoulder, would be open as usual on Saturday.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama_expected_to_sign_another_stopgap_budget_bill/2011/04/09/AFtnFL8C_story.html

[ProSense]

1. Details

here.

[earthside]

2. If it is a public signing ...

... can we expect a forest of white flags in the background?

[asjr]

3. I don't know about the rest of you here but

I have the distinct feeling we have been HAD. The last couple of weeks seems to me to have been a five-act play with the protagonists in each party taking turns in the starring role. When I recall the rhetoric from them I want to puke. They get us all worked up and then, finally, they bring down the curtain.

[neoralme]

4. Healthcare and the Public Option redux

[drokhole]

5. Well put.

And what a thrilling conclusion! I feel like all that was missing was Kiefer Sutherland defusing an atomic bomb.