The bipartisan budget deal hammered out by Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) that easily passed the House last week, appears to have the votes necessary to clear the Senate. But it’s not there yet. Unlike in the House, significantly more Senate Republicans are likely to oppose the legislation than vote for it, highlighting the ongoing rift in the GOP.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) was instrumental in pushing the deal through the House, showing a new willingness to sacrifice party unity in the process. Boehner called out the big conservative action groups that have crippled earlier efforts and compromise. Was Boehner's rebuke of the conservative groups largely delivered to provide cover and draw fire away from other Republicans? How will the groups respond now? Will this stay an issue for many Republican voters, or fade by next year's elections?
Guests:
Doyle McManus, Washington Columnist, covering national and international politics, Los Angeles Times
Reed Galen, Republican Political Consultant