House Speaker John Boehner had a message for reporters who want to know what he’s going to do to keep the Department of Homeland Security: Pucker up.
After batting away question after question about what the House will do if the Senate sends it a bill to fund Homeland Security, without including in it the attack on President Barack Obama’s immigration actions that conservatives are seeking, the Ohio Republican responded to one by puckering his lips and making kissing noises in the reporter’s direction.
It was no Valentine from Boehner, who was suggesting that Capitol Hill reporters weren’t going to get any more out of him.
“When we make decisions, we’ll let you know,” Boehner said.
After the room full of reporters broke out in nervous laughter, one asked what the speaker’s gesture was supposed to mean.
“That was just a kiss, that’s all,” Boehner said.
Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) haven’t yet worked out a way to keep the Department of Homeland Security up and running past Friday. The House has insisted on tying an attack on Obama’s move to forestall some deportations to the funding measure, but the Senate can’t clear its 60-vote procedural threshold for that bill because Democrats have opposed it.
Boehner has repeatedly insisted that the House has done its business, and it’s now up to the Senate to figure out a way forward.
“We passed a bill to fund the department six weeks ago. How many times do I have to say it?” Boehner said.