Still facing a stalemate, on Tuesday, October 8, House Republicans discussed plans to bring to the floor HR 3273, legislation sponsored by Reps. Sessions (R-TX), Woodall (R-GA), and Burgess (R-TX) that would establish a short-term bipartisan, bicameral working group to attempt a deal on funding the federal government and addressing the debt limit.  The House Rules Committee approved and reported out the bill on Tuesday.

The proposal for such a working group showcases how broken negotiations are between Congress and the Administration as the country spirals closer to the deadline on the debt ceiling, just one-week away.  Memories of the failed Supercommittee of 2011 are still fresh in the minds of those on the Hill and those who tried to influence the group when the budget negotiations broke down back then.  However, unlike that Supercommittee, the proposed working group would simply work as a short-term negotiating body and have no ultimate authority, as its recommendations would be voted on by Congress through normal process.

President Obama and Congressional Democrats continued to oppose any negotiations – working group or otherwise -  unless and until congressional Republicans agree to reopen the government and no longer threaten defaulting on the debt ceiling.