New suburban GOP in budget fight

Leading Illinois congressmen are in the center of the ring as Republicans and Democrats continue to squabble over long-term government funding legislation, to the increasing frustration of suburban freshmen elected on the premise of major spending cuts.

The Republican-controlled House Tuesday passed a three-week funding measure by a vote of 271-158. The legislation would cut $6 billion from the federal budget, as House and Senate leaders continue to negotiate details of a more permanent deal.

If approved as expected by the Democratic-controlled Senate, this will be the sixth temporary extension this fiscal year, funding the government through April 8. It comes on the heels of a two-week extension that cut $4 billion from the federal budget. The upper chamber last Thursday rejected a permanent proposal that would cut spending by $61 billion from current levels this fiscal year, which goes through September.

Rep. Peter Roskam, GOP chief deputy whip of Wheaton, has said he believes that Republicans have done more than their share of work and compromise, criticizing the “disjointed leadership on the Democratic side” and President Barack Obama's lack of a visible presence in the negotiations.

But Sen. Dick Durbin says Republicans are being unreasonable in their attempt to balance the budget in a six-month period, cutting programs including Head Start and college Pell grants that will, he says, damage the economy in the long term.

As both sides dig in their heels, freshman Republicans are getting increasingly frustrated.

Rep. Joe Walsh, a McHenry tea partyer, was one of 54 Republicans who voted against the temporary measure Tuesday, though voting for the earlier extension on March 1. Only nine Republicans opposed the earlier measure.

Walsh called the earlier vote “a very, very tough decision” — one he ultimately reached after talks with members of Republican leadership, including Roskam.

This time, however, Walsh put his foot down.

“This temporary spending resolution doesn't come close to doing what the American people want Congress doing. We were sent to Washington to dramatically cut spending, defund Obamacare, and stop the rise in government regulations,” Walsh said.

“The American people want bigger and bolder than what Congress put forth today.”

Rep. Randy Hultgren, a Winfield Republican, found himself on the fence for Tuesday's vote, ultimately supporting the measure but expressing “deep dissatisfaction” with “these sorts of piecemeal, short-term funding mechanisms.”

Would he vote for another temporary measure?

“He'd have to look at it,” spokesman Andrew Flach said. “He's getting tired of passing these extensions, and feels it's time to finish the work so we can move on and address other issues.”

The government's fiscal year ends Sept. 30.

From the Senate, Highland Park Republican Mark Kirk said he's been working to urge compromise, so Congress can move on to other pressing issues, including the decision whether to extend the country's debt ceiling.

“That debate needs to end, the year is almost half over,” Kirk said. “The longer the debate goes on, the less important it is.”