Reid on Legislation That Would Fund Cancer Treatments for Kids During Shutdown: ‘Why Would We Want to Do That?’

Senate majority leader Harry Reid remains adamant that the Senate will not pass any additional continuing resolutions.

Today, CNN reporter Dana Bash asked Reid about whether he would consider passing legislation that would fund federal-government medicine trials that provide treatment for children with cancer, which are currently halted due to the government shutdown. The House is willing to pass the legislation.

“What right do they have to pick and choose what part of government’s going to be funded?” Reid responded.

Bash pressed the matter, asking, “But if you can help one child who has cancer, why wouldn’t you do it?”

“Why would we want to do that?” Reid rejoined. “I have 1,100 people at Nellis Air Force Base that are sitting home. They have a few problems of their own. To have someone with your intelligence suggest such a thing . . . [is] irresponsible.”