On day two of the government shutdown, House Republicans gathered on the West Front Terrace of the Capitol to urge Democrats to support their latest strategy to fund the government. But the news conference was disrupted by protesters who heckled lawmakers over the lapse in essential services and the furloughs of federal workers because of Congress' failure to pass a continuing resolution. "Pass the budget! Let us work!" they shouted. Approximately 20 protesters, who held signs asking for the government to be reopened, chanted loudly behind lawmakers for the entire news conference. Reporters could still hear members speaking over the din, but the protesters was disruptive enough to prompt House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to acknowledge them. "I hear the folks who are here behind us," the Virginia Republican said, "and I'm as frustrated as they are." Despite the protest, Republicans urged Democrats to support the GOP's strategy of bringing mini-CRs to the floor to restart various functions of the government. (more…)
