Royce, Bartlet and others in “Separation of Powers”

I want to thank you, Mr. President, on behalf of my colleagues. None of us thinks this is a perfect deal. No one likes to see the sausage made, including the guys who make it. But this is an expression of willingness by both sides to keep all avenues open to an eventual resolution.

Bartlet

Yes, thanks, Robert. And thanks for saying it this time. I think I had to make that little speech the last time around. [Everyone smiles.] Or maybe the time before. This is our third CR, our third time coming up short. We have to do better. People aren't paying us to duck the hard choices. You want to run through the details, Angela?

An act of Congress. Continuing resolution to extend no later than January 3rd, midnight, to include a reduction of one percent.

Excuse me, Mr. President, I'm sorry. There's been a change. I know we talked about a one percent cut. It's going to have to be three.

Mr. Speaker, nothing like this was even mentioned, much less disc--

Bartlet

Hold on.

I'm sorry I couldn't give more notice, but I just came from our conference, and I had significant opposition to only one percent.

Bartlet

Only one percent.

Yes, sir.

Bartlet

We had a deal at one percent.

But now my members have to go back to their districts for the holidays, explain why we kept the gravy train running with a rising deficit and an economy crying out for tax relief. It's an economic situation that calls for action, not status quo spending. Now three percent may sound painful but it's only for two months. It'll show we're serious.

Bartlet

What's next?

Sir?

Bartlet

In two months. Five percent? 50? How many rounds do we go, Jeff? I'm just asking.

There is no next, sir. I mean not to get too technical, but this government runs out of money at midnight. And my guys are going home. This is it.

Bartlet

No.

There is no altering this offer, Mr. President.

Bartlet

And I said no.

Let's be clear, sir. We cannot, we will not, vote to keep on footing the bill. You will be held responsible for shutting down the federal government.

Bartlet

Then shut it down.