Government Shutdown News: These Republicans Want A Clean Continuing Resolution

As it becomes more evident that Democrats are united against any conservative attempt to defund or repeal Obamacare, some Republicans are already blinking.

The Senate has called on the GOP-led House of Representatives to pass a “clean” continuing resolution that includes money to implement the Affordable Care Act. House Republicans are refusing to heed that call, as they continue try and find other ways to kill or cripple the health care law.

But as the standoff continues, and with more than two-thirds of voters disapproving of the Republicans' actions contributing to the federal shutdown, some conservatives are beginning to lose the stomach for the fight. If neither side budges, the government shutdown might collide with the debt ceiling debate in two weeks -- and the ramifications from that would be more serious and far-reaching.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has said she will provide the Democratic votes to help pass a clean resolution. Seventeen Republican congressmen would be needed to help the Democrats get the measure on the way to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature.

Here are some Republican congressmen who may be considering a vote for a clean resolution:

Rep. Scott Rigell of Virginia

Rep. Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania

Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania

He told the Huffington Post on Saturday, “I’m prepared to vote for a clean [continuing resolution]. I don’t want the government to shut down.”

Dent also said this to CNN on Monday: “Sooner or later, we are going to have to pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the government before the end of the day. The tactics that have been employed up until this point -- I suspect it will not be successful.”

Rep. Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey

LoBiondo told The Press of Atlantic City that he supports “whatever gets a successful conclusion to this” and that a clean bill “is one of those options.”

Rep. Randy Forbes of Virginia

He and Rigell told the Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk that they support passing a six-week budget, which is the resolution proposed by the Senate.

Rep. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania

The congressman told The Morning Call of Allentown that he would “absolutely” vote for a clean bill to prevent a government shutdown. The problem is, Barletta said, he is in a “a tough situation,” wanting to gut Obamacare but not be responsible for a shutdown.

The Washington Post is reporting that a total of 14 Republicans now say they would support a funding bill without the "defund Obamacare" baggage.