Cutting Congress

Scott Hardie | June 25, 2011
In a conversation about politics yesterday, a friend asked, "Do you think Obama would have the cojones to order the Treasury Department to cut off funding for Congress if they don't raise the debt ceiling?" To me, any question that starts with the words "do you think Obama would have the cojones" is going to have a "no" answer, but it raises an interesting possible scenario, especially in light of Congress cutting funding on Libya to send a message to Obama.

Imagine: The debt limit is reached, the government cannot borrow more money to function, so an executive order suspends funding to Congress as the first thing to go. Congressional salaries are probably unimportant, since many members are wealthy and would wear their lack of income as a badge of honor in public given the circumstances. But to cut their staff, close their offices, freeze their expense accounts, take away their benefits, and cut their security? Well, cutting security might be a bit much in light of other Jared Loughners lurking out there, but the rest is intriguing. Obama could do the same to his own staff and benefits if he needed to show that he has a stake in this too.

All of this is just a fantasy -- I'm pretty sure it would be illegal if Obama even did have an ounce of the backbone to try it -- but it's an appealing one. It's been on my mind since it was first brought up.

Steve West | June 25, 2011
The most he'll do is replace their congressional credit cards with discount coupons to Burger King. When will a President take the deficit seriously? Not this one.