The shutdown of the federal government is continuing for an eighth day as lawmakers remain deadlocked over Republican efforts to use the budget debate to defund or delay the Affordable Care Act. Senate Democrats are moving forward this week with “clean” legislation to increase the country’s borrowing limit without any other policy measures attached. Meanwhile, the White House has signaled willingness to accept a temporary increase in the nation’s borrowing limit in order to meet an October 17 deadline and give the parties more time to negotiate. On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell accused Democrats of refusing to come to the table.
Sen. Mitch McConnell: “There’s a time for politics. There’s a time for sitting down like adults and working things out. Republicans are ready and willing to negotiate. We invite Senate Democrats to join us.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hit back at Republicans, reading a quote from ThinkProgress editor-in-chief Judd Legum that he said summarized the current debacle.
Sen. Harry Reid: “Here’s how he explained it. Republicans ask, ‘Can I burn down your house?’ We say no. Republicans ask, ‘How about burning down the second floor?’ We say no. Republicans ask, ‘How about just the garage?’ We say no. Republicans say, ’Let’s talk about what I can burn down.’ We say no. And they say, ’You’re not compromising.’”
