Gohmert: House GOP Leaders 'Scared to Death' of Shutdown Showdown

Rep. Louie Gohmert accused Republican House leaders Tuesday of being afraid to shut the government down over conservative calls for the defunding of Obamacare.

"Our leadership is scared to death," the Texas Republican said at a town hall meeting Tuesday, according to The Longview News-Journal. "They think if we have a shutdown, or a big showdown, we may lose the majority, and they will lose their leadership positions."

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Gohmert contrasted his own House leaders to their Democratic counterparts, who were determined to push through the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

"Say what you want about [former House] Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi, yet they were so intent on passing that bill,” he said. “Because, they knew in the end if they pass Obamacare, they ultimately control everything. The government would control everything."

As for his own party, Gohmert observed, “What does it say about Republicans if we’re not willing to stand up for what we know is best for the country?”