The guys who think demagoguing is more important than drought relief.

The guys who think demagoguing is more important than drought relief.

IThe Senate version of the farm bill included disaster relief and passed in that chamber before the August recess, but the House failed to take up their version of the farm bill, leaving many Midwest lawmakers upset with Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). But Blunt blamed Reid for the lack of a relief package because the House passed one shortly before recess started. “The decision made by the Senate majority to leave Washington before passing much-needed disaster assistance is shameful and irresponsible,” Blunt wrote.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) wants Harry Reid to do something about the drought. It's not quite as bad as Speaker John Boehner thinking President Obama is personally responsible for the drought, but it's still a big fail Shortly before recess was actually something like 20 minutes before the House recessed, trying to jam the Senate and also trying to paper over the absolute debacle in the Republican House over the farm bill. Boehner can't get a bill passed because, a) he has an insane caucus that wants as many poor people as possible to go hungry without food assistance; and b) he didn't want to "disrupt [...] political messaging" before the election and expose the divisions within his caucus.

The Senate passed their bill, with disaster relief. Blunt might have a hard time remembering that, but he shouldn't: He sent out a press release lauding his vote for it. So the Senate has done their part. The White House has come up with millions in emergency declarations and drought relief.

This one is totally on Republican leadership in the House, and that includes Paul Ryan. Instead of blaming Harry Reid, Republican senators like Blunt (who've done their job) need to be talking to Boehner and Ryan. Any delay in drought relief is squarely on their shoulders.