Dealing With Congress, Dealing With Egypt, And Helping Out on the Campaing Trail

     With another week of the government shutdown passing the pressure is mounting for a resolution from Congress. As the shutdown continues another event fast approaches that could catastrophic consequences if Congress fails to act; raising America's debt ceiling.  This week Senator Menendez made scathing remarks in regards to the shutdown and toward the Republican party for some of its members threatening to not extend the debt ceiling, which would cause America to default on its obligations. Menendez stated that "this is not a game" and that "real people are being hurt by these tactics" [Republican's making unreasonable demands while refusing to fund the government until they are met] (Herman). Menendez went on to state that default is "an option no one wants" and that it would "dramatically weaken America" (Herman). Calling Republicans pathetic for their willingness "to risk the full faith and credit of this nation and inflict unnecessary harm on hard-working families, an put the very principles of this democracy on the line - all just to show how ideologically pure they are" Menendez challenged Republicans to negotiate in a constructive manner, in good faith, and without threats by reopening the government and raising the debt ceiling (Herman).
     Though the battle in Congress over funding the government and raising the debt ceiling remains center stage another key development has occurred in foreign policy. This week the White House announced that it would begin to withhold some of its military aid to Egypt in response to continuing unrest and violence in the country. Menendez, chairmen of the Senate Foreign Relation Committee, supported the cutback in a statement. Menendez cited the long history of Egyptian-American cooperation in ensuring regional stability, but stated that the "ongoing violence in Egypt is troubling, shows no signs of abating, and given these worrisome developments, a pause in assistance is appropriate until the Egyptian government demonstrates a willingness and capability to follow the roadmap toward a sustainable, inclusive, and non-violent transition to democracy" (Jpost.com Staff).
     In New Jersey an election for a U.S Senate seat is coming up and Senator Menendez made an appearance on the campaign trail for Senate hopeful Cory Booker (Zezima). Booker has a double-digit lead in the race but that has narrowed  in the last few weeks. Menendez's appearance to aid a fellow democrat shows that their is a national, party, interest in the New Jersey Senate race.

Sources
     Herman, Malia. Menedez, other New Jersey Democrats call for shutdown, debt limit deal. Courier-Post. Posted October 11th, 2013.  http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20131011/NEWS02/310110070/Menendez-other-New-Jersey-Democrats-call-shutdown-debt-limit-deal
     Jpost.com Staff. Senate Foreign Relations C'tee chair backs cut in Egpyt aid. The Jerusalem Post. Posted October 10th, 2013. http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Senate-Foreign-Relations-Ctee-chair-backs-cut-in-Egpyt-aid-328322
     Zezima, Katie. Last lap of US Senate race in NJ. San Francisco Gate. Posted October 13th, 2013.http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/National-Democratic-chair-joins-Booker-on-tour-4892319.php