The appropriately named “honor flights” to the military memorials in Washington are an especially meaningful way to celebrate and pay tribute to America’s veterans.  Organized through the nonprofit Honor Flight Network, the day-long trip offers World War II veterans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their nation’s capital, including the memorial commemorating their service and sacrifice.

On a number of occasions, I have had the special privilege of visiting with veterans on Mississippi’s Honor Flight during their time in Washington.  The scene at the World War II memorial is always awe-inspiring, and that was certainly true when our state’s heroes arrived on October 1.  Although a government shutdown forced National Park Service sites to close, including the World War II memorial, the veterans were eventually allowed to bypass the barricades.  At a moment of extreme partisan gridlock, both political parties cheered the spirit of goodwill on display.

Breaking the Impasse

Strongly held positions on both sides of the aisle and a failure to engage in good-faith negotiations have led to the current impasse over funding the federal government.  Republicans are offering reforms that would postpone or make changes to the President’s costly and unpopular health-care law.  President Obama continues to stay on the sidelines, refusing to negotiate when his involvement is necessary for progress.  He said in an interview only hours before the shutdown took effect, “I shouldn’t have to offer anything.”  Two days later, his meeting with congressional leaders concluded without any steps forward.   

Obamacare Glitches

Particularly discouraging in recent days is the repeated refusal by President Obama and Senate Democrats to address serious problems with the health-care law.  Americans recognize that the law is deeply flawed – an observation many experienced firsthand with the recent launch of Obamacare’s insurance exchanges.  The first day of enrollment was marked with glitches, affirming widespread warnings that the law was not ready for prime time.

Delays, special deals, and waivers by the Obama Administration point to the same conclusion.  Earlier this year, the White House decided to postpone one of the law’s central provisions, the employer mandate, which would have required employers with 50 or more employees to provide health insurance.  As Republicans have insisted, the same relief should be extended to all Americans, who will be forced to purchase health insurance next year under the law’s individual mandate.  Instead, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) swiftly extinguished the bipartisan House amendment that would have postponed the mandate. 

Return to Regular Order

Without question, the status quo needs to change.  For too long, the Democrat-controlled Senate has failed to consider appropriations bills under regular order, instead relying on massive continuing resolutions to keep the government running.  A continuing resolution is a measure used when a new spending bill has not been signed into law.  It should not substitute for a comprehensive and open budget process that could help achieve long-term deficit reduction.

At this pivotal moment, it is disappointing that President Obama refuses to demonstrate the leadership needed to help reach a compromise that benefits Americans and our country’s future.   Republicans are determined to make progress until we can ultimately replace the President’s health-care law with market-driven solutions.