Bush: Boehner, a problem-solver in Congress, will be missed

Boehner himself lashed out at “false prophets” in the right’s ranks, blaming them for political strategies that “never had a chance” even while taking the government into fiscal crises.

Boehner had called Cruz a “jackass” at that specific event. On Sunday, he vowed that Congress will avoid a government shutdown, and he would push through as much unfinished legislation as possible before leaving at the end of October.

Boehner said the continuing resolution will need support from Democrats in order to pass but was not concerned about meeting that goal. Boehner also announced that the House will create a special committee to investigate Planned Parenthood.

Pope Francis’s visit to Congress this week, which Boehner organized, “helped clear the picture” on timing.

“I’m sure it will”, he said. And I admire John for his tenacity and hanging in there for five tough years.

Boehner appeared to become emotional during the interview and said he hopes he’s remembered as a “good man” after he’s left his leadership position.

The Roman-Catholic Ohio congressman described spending the day with his spiritual leader as deeply moving and a factor in the timing of his resignation announcement. It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution.

“It is imperative that we fight for what we believe in”.

Without Boehner, the job of leading divided congressional Republicans falls more heavily on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – who declared almost a year ago that the GOP’s prospects of reclaiming the White House depends substantially on showing the party can govern.

The U.S. House now, he said, uses a top-down approach that leaves rank-and-file members without a forum to be heard. “We’re paying more attention to worrying about polls and who’s getting blamed for a shutdown, or more attention the filibuster rules in the Senate than actually helping people and doing what we promised we would do”.

He pushed back against some of the critiques he has faced from his colleagues that he wasn’t conservative enough.

“The American people are disappointed”, Christie told Fox News.

While the group has not identified a favoured candidate, Representative Mick Mulvaney, a founding member, said yesterday that House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has the “inside track” to be the next speaker. “I’ll let you choose them”. “They wanted this long, slow process”. “So change comes slowly, and obviously too slowly for some”. Schumer said Boehner is “a decent, principled conservative man who tried to do the right thing under nearly impossible circumstances”, and will be missed by Republicans and Democrats alike.

“It’s probably one of the biggest disappointments in my speakership”, he said.

Photo: UPI ” Why do I want to make my members, Republican members, walk the plank?” said Boehner.

“Keep the country’s best interest in mind and have the courage to do what you can do”, Boehner said.