It's now six days into the government shutdown, and politicians touring the Sunday political shows offered no signs of it ending soon. Republicans, who triggered the shutdown, continue to blame President Barack Obama and House Democrats for closing government facilities and not willing to compromise parts of the Affordable Care Act. Adding to the pressure on Congress is the risk of America defaulting on its debt, which will happen unless Congress votes to raise the debt ceiling by Oct. 17.
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said that "Congress is playing with fire" regarding the debt ceiling, and that if it's not increased by Oct. 17, America will default on its debt for the first time, ever.
But On ABC's "This Week," House Speaker John Boehner said that Congress will not pass a "clean debt limit increase" unless President Barack Obama enters into negotiations.
On CBS's "Face the Nation," Lew, challenged Boehner to put a spending resolution on the floor saying, "Let Congress vote."Sen. Ted Cruz, whose fake filibuster ushered in the government shutdown, said on CNN's "State of the Union" that he is "not remotely" worried that he has "hurt the Republican Party brand."
On NBC's "Meet the Press," Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul called it "irresponsible" for President Obama to talk about default.
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