WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In recent weeks, the White House has warned that a government shutdown could severely affect the US economy and create instability. However, the Obama administration said that President Obama would not sign a budget bill into law that would lock in a level of spending with automatic budget cuts, known as sequestration.
"Of course…it's [Boehner’s resignation] more than a distraction, but the fact is that that's one element of this," Pelosi said when asked whether Boehner’s resignation announcement would be a distraction from passing a spending bill.
"The disarray among House Republicans, their obsession with shutting down government at the expense of women's health…needs to be reckoned with and recognized," Pelosi warned.
Lawmakers could resort to passing a short-term funding bill to prevent an immediate government shutdown, if Congress is not able to pass a budget at the end of the month.
Pelosi stressed that despite Boehner’s announcement, Congress would still need to "stop" the Republican-led "actions in shutting down the government."
The House Minority Leader explained that lawmakers would continue to negotiate with Boehner until he "gives up the gavel," but said that Congress hoped to have a plan for a short term continued resolution by next Monday or Tuesday.
