U.S. Senator Dick Durbin calls the gridlock in Washington over the federal government’s debt limit and the partial shutdown acts of “political cowardice.” The Illinois Democrat says it’s dangerous for lawmakers to be negotiating this close to the start of a federal default. Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday, Durbin said lawmakers must come to an agreement as soon as possible.
“Years to come, nobody may remember the names of the people involved in this political fight that goes on day after day on Capitol Hill, but they will remember the failure of the United States Congress to pay the nation’s debts, to stand up for the full faith and credit of the United States, and to maintain our reputation as a leader in the world. There is no political victory worth that.”
Durbin’s comments come as the shutdown is in its third week, and less than two days before the Treasury Department says it won’t be able to borrow money to pay the country's bills. A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner says the House will vote Tuesday on legislation that would reopen the government and avert a financial default.