Gingrich challenges Harry Reid to debate ObamaCare funding

Ex-Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) on Tuesday challenged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to a debate on whether the government should continue to fund ObamaCare.

I would be happy to debate Harry Reid anywhere, any time about govt shutdown versus disastrous spending and destructive Obamacare.

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) July 30, 2013

After Gingrich’s tweet, Reid responded Tuesday morning on Twitter, asking if the former Speaker was saying he supported a shutdown of the government.

.@newtgingrich, to be clear, are you saying you support another government shutdown?

— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) July 30, 2013

Gingrich served as Speaker when the government shut down in 1995 over a spending fight between congressional Republicans and the Clinton White House.

That fight didn’t go well for House Republicans at the time, as Clinton won reelection in 1996. 

Gingrich also said he’d love to have Reid on “Crossfire” when the show makes its return to CNN. Gingrich will be one of the show’s new co-hosts. 

Harry Reid would be a great guest on Crossfire this fall. We could debate the 1995 shutdown versus out of control spending and Obamacare

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) July 30, 2013

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) is currently pushing a proposal that would shutdown the government if the Obama administration’s healthcare law is not defunded. Republicans have been debating its merits, with a number of conservatives including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) offering vigorous support. 

The proposal has been criticized by others, including Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who on Tuesday called the idea a “silly effort.”