Utah U.S. Senator Mike Lee defended the Tea Party Thursday, saying he blames President Obama and Senate Democrats for a potential government shutdown.
“We have to be willing to cast blame where blame is due. The blame here cannot and, as long as I’m standing, will not be placed at the feet of the Republican Party or tea party. We do not want a shutdown,” Mr. Lee said.
“If we have one, it will be because the president of the United States and members of the other party…have refused to put forward a palatable, defensible budget.”
Mr. Lee’s criticism comes as House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Harry Reid continue to face the prospect of a government shutdown. Both Mr. Boehner and Mr. Reid spent most of Thursday discussing potential budget outcomes.
A number of Tea Party Republicans have expressed support for increasing proposed spending cuts. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor says he supports spending cuts worth $66 billion.
A number of Democrats have slammed House Republican Tea Party members. New Jersey U.S. Senator Bob Menendez criticized Tea Party members, saying proposed budget cuts represented an adequete compromise.
“The most radical elements of the Republican Party won’t take yes for an answer,” Mr. Menendez said. “If the tea party continues to insist on a government shutdown, they’ll put our entire economy at risk.”
