Another week has gone by and still the government is in a shutdown. The ongoing shutdown grows increasingly worse as the October 17th deadline approaches which is when the United States will default on its loans. Timothy Bishop in his weekly newsletter outlines the major problems that will be faced if this occurs. Interest rates on government debt would increase, a new recession would occur, and jobs would be lost among other major crisis'. Timothy Bishop argues against some other Reps. views who believe that going over the debt limit will cause no problem, claiming they are either delusional or misinformed. Despite this looming issue Timothy Bishop continues to express optimism that the two sides can come to an agreement before that occurs. In an interview with Richard French, he states that Republican Rep. John Boehner is attempting to get a deal done, but his hands are tied by his constituents in the Tea Party. This radical minority group, argues Bishop, must not control the Republican House and prevent any deal from getting done. Timothy Bishop agrees with the President as well in terms of the way to approach this crisis, first coming to an agreement to fund the government and then discussing possible concessions. Timothy Bishop also in his interview provided an interesting comment on the evolution of the government. In 2003 Timothy Bishop was first elected, and at that time the two parties had very firm values, but it was easy to work together. In 2010, with the new Tea Party backed candidates, the House changed, with people who are unwilling to hear any view but their own.
This week Timothy Bishops' biggest concern is explaining the impact a government default would have on the American people and the government alike, and thus in his newsletter and his interview he attempts to explain what will occur. In doing this he is trying to connect with constituents all over to reach out to their respective representative in order to attain bipartisanship.
At the same time Timothy Bishop is placing the blame solely on the Tea Party. His arguments of those who are "misinformed" or "delusional" are clear shots at Tea Party members. He blames them for the stranglehold that has forced the House to sign off on bills that have concessions in them. In his interview discussing the changing tide in the House, he clearly states that this "all or nothing attitude" that the Tea Party expresses basically ruins any attempt at bipartisanship. At the same time, he supports the President in the order that the issues should be addressed. By attacking the Tea Party, Timothy Bishop is essentially supporting more moderate Republicans, saying they are not to blame and that sanity will prevail. It is a way to not only bash Republicans, but also to create a sense of bipartisanship that he knows his constituents wish to see. He also shows in his support of the President's plans his support for the Democrats of the House, which will provide him in turn support in his upcoming election.
http://timbishop.house.gov/latest-news/bishop-discusses-government-shutdown-on-richard-french-live/
http://timbishop.congressnewsletter.net/common/mailings/index.cfm?id=203?q=prettyphoto&iframe=true&width=758&height=500
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