WASHINGTON, D.C.–Following his election as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said part of his job is to see that Democrats in the Senate, like Harry Reid of Nevada, do not get re-elected, and that Republicans will work “into the night” to keep a government shutdown from happening.
Wicker appeared on “Morning Joe” on MSNBC. He reiterated new majority leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Kentucky) comments that Republicans will neither shut down the government while arguing over federal budget issues, nor will there be any impeachment of the president.
“They asked Mitch two ways about that and the answer was the same: We’re not gonna have any government shut downs, we’re not gonna have any threats of impeachment,” he said.
Wicker said the Senate would return to “how it’s supposed to work” instead.
“How the founding fathers intended for us to move legislation through, an open process, unlimited debate, working into the night, working on Mondays and Fridays for a change, like the American people do, and sending legislation on to the House and on to the president, hopefully for his signature.”
One of the first pieces of legislation the Senate may end up sending to the president is the House bill authorizing the Keystone XL Pipeline, voted in by the U.S. House Friday.
The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday. Pres. Obama has indicated he may veto the legislation.
Wicker also said in response to a question on the program that he believes Republicans have a good chance at defeating Sen. Harry Reid.
“The citizens of Nevada will go after Harry Reid. He’s out of step with the state. That state is going Republican.”
He said he believes Harry Reid may decide to retire.
