WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker John Boehner says there will be no government shutdown when funding runs out this week.
The Ohio Republican tells CBS’ “Face the Nation” that he decided on Friday to resign his speakership and his seat after meeting with Pope Francis. Asked on Sunday whether there’s still a possibility of a government shutdown, Boehner answered, “No.”
Boehner’s announcement comes days before government funding runs out at the end of the month. Conservatives were demanding that the Republican-controlled Congress pass a budget that defunds Planned Parenthood. That would draw a veto from President Barack Obama and could cause another partial government shutdown. Boehner’s resistance to that idea prompted conservatives to seek his ouster. Boehner’s announcement nullifies that threat.
Conservatives celebrated Boehner’s resignation but have not formally endorsed a replacement.
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