When the Republicans regained the majority last week, there was an oft-repeated request from conservatives.
“Don’t screw this up again.”
Well, Speaker-to-be John Boehner is giving every indication that this time will truly be different.
The latest signal came from the following…
For the first time in years, House lawmakers will soon have the chance to vote on a standalone measure to increase the federal debt limit next year under the new Republican majority — a vote that’s shaping up as the first early test of the GOP’s commitment to spending restraint.
The House Republican leader, Rep. John A. Boehner of Ohio, will give lawmakers a chance for a direct vote on raising the debt limit, spokesman Michael Steel told the Washington Times.
That would be a break with the recent tactic of burying the debt limit increase in parliamentary maneuvers — a way to shield vulnerable lawmakers from having to take the unpopular vote — and would instantly give leverage to those in Congress hoping to impose immediate spending cuts.
This is exactly right.
And the beginning of a new Republican majority.
