MESSAGE RECEIVED: State Rep. Charles Armonstrong and others gathered outside the VA day center on Main today to urge reopening government. Pleas like theirs have been heard. Brian Chilson

Here’s the latest from the New York Times on the end of crisis caused by Tea Party Republicans, particularly in the U.S. House.

It follows the outline I posted earlier today from the Washington Post. A few questions remain about how quickly the votes can be done, but the House will vote first, then the Senate. That means one senator, such as Ted Cruz, couldn’t delay the deal, though he’s now said he wouldn’t stand in the way.

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Some interest remains in how many House Republicans will vote against the deal. 

New deadlines promise a resumption of this same tiresome dance after the first of the year if Republicans continue their pattern of government-by-hostage. Voters indicate they don’t like it much, but sometimes voters can be fooled. See recent Arkansas polling.

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U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor has applauded the outcome.

Today the Senate reached a responsible agreement to reopen our government and prevent our nation from defaulting on its obligations. I was proud to be part of the bipartisan coalition of senators that laid the groundwork for this common-sense solution. As I’ve said before, if we want to get things done in Washington, we must work together. We cannot allow a few irresponsible members of U.S. House of Representatives to play games with our nation’s future. It’s time to turn off the rhetoric and get back to work on our priorities—creating jobs, growing our economy, and responsibly reducing our debt and cutting spending. This agreement gives us the blueprint to accomplish these goals.

I have yet to see talking points from the leading Arkansas advocates of economic terrorism — Tim Griffin and Tom Cotton. Is Tiny Tim sorry he signed that threatening letter and then followed through on this expensive, for-naught course? Will Extreme Tom continue to yammer dishonestly about Congress’ special subsidies? 

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It remains to be seen how quickly normal funding can be restored. It can’t be too soon for Women and Children First. The shelter in Little Rock for domestic abuse held a news conference today to explain the difficult position it was in because of the loss of federal grant money that provides a significant portion of its support.

The House roll call vote holds some interest. Will any Arkansans hold fast to the Tea Party obstructionism?

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