GOVT SHUTDOWN - Will the republicans/congress shut down the govt by or before october 25 2008?

WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans are poised to shut down the government if they are not allowed a vote on new oil drilling legislation.

"Many people aren't aware that the bans on drilling must be renewed every year, and all we have to do is allow these prohibitions to expire on October 1. In just 50 days, Americans will have the freedom to pursue their own energy resources here at home. Our letter is very straightforward: we will actively oppose any effort to extend the bans on offshore drilling and oil shale," DeMint said.

This is setting the stage for a showdown in September with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and most other Demorats who oppose this drilling.

Reid has said he intends to try to renew the bans when Congress returns in September through a continuing spending resolution -- a measure used to bypass the annual spending bills, and adopt the current spending levels until the new Congress takes its seat. But to pass his version, Reid will need a filibuster-breaking 60 votes, which could prove difficult.

In a letter from DeMint to Reid, DeMint indicates the GOP has the votes to sustain any veto of a continuing resolution that might get 60 votes.

But if Congress can't agree to a continuing resolution before Oct. 1, the government shuts down.

The republicans will get the blame if the govt gets shutdown. Techinally it will be the whole congress that shuts down the govt. The reason for "republicans/congress" in the question. Congress doesn't always act on time, hence the reason for the oct 25th date. If no agreement is worked out by or before oct 1st they might pass a 7 day "continuing spending resolution" (more than once) to keep the govt running. If its obivous their passing 7 day "continuing spending resolution's" then admin can settle this after the govt is shut down or an agreement is made. This will suspend on september 29th.