Actually, the house by itself could stop spending today if it wanted, and they'd do it if the American people as a mass clearly told their reps that spending cuts were required for reelection. What we got is the house will do whatever the president wants because they sincerely believe it's what the public wants.
It's so much easier to blame our helplessness on others but we ourselves need to do what no one else can do. My rep knows my vote depends on spending cuts. My current project is figuring out how to explain to those around me that they must do the same or we all face the consequenses.
Mighty quiet out there today.