Newt Gingrich, the architect of the government shutdowns in 1995 and 1996, has some encouraging words for House Republicans: Don’t cave in!
In an opinion piece published on CNN.com, former speaker of the house said that giving up just hours before a possible shutdown would be “the worst possible outcome for the country.”
This is a pivotal conflict that will define the relationship between Congress and the executive branch for the next three years. The country will be much better off if Congress does not abdicate its constitutional role and if the president cannot ignore that role.
When President Barack Obama is willing to negotiate with Russian, Syrian and Iranian leaders but unwilling to negotiate with the U.S. House of Representatives, it is time for the House to stand firm.
Gingrich ends his argument with this prediction for the future:
The next few weeks might be painful if House Republicans insist on getting to a compromise and refuse to surrender. But the next three years will be frightening if House Republicans cave and the president learns that nothing stands between him and his ability to use overweening power outside the Constitution to advance his ideology.
This is a big moment of decision for America. Don’t give in now.