More deals struck as shutdown continues
WASHINGTON D.C. — As governors strike deals to lessen the impact of the government shutdown, lawmakers in Washington have, so far, been unable to do the same. Three days before the federal government hits its limit on borrowing, Andrew Spencer reports lawmakers are talking, but without making significant progress.
Three of the most iconic places in the United States reopen, as more states agree to take over the daily costs for sites run by the federal government, sites closed during the government shutdown.
Along with Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon, visitors return to the Statue of Liberty, where New York has agreed to pay more than $60,000 a day to generate nearly six times that in economic activity.
Meanwhile in Washington, the Senate Chaplain is asking for Divine intervention:
Dr. Harry Black, U.S. Senate Chaplain, "Give our lawmakers the wisdom to trust you and each other. Turning the stubbornness of impossibilities into the blessing of creative possibilities."
Monday marks day 14 of the government shutdown and while there is a lot of talk about talk on Capitol Hill, Sen. Harry Reid, (D) Majority Leader, "I've had a productive conversation with the Republican leader, this afternoon. Our discussions were substantive, and we'll continue those discussions. I'm optimistic about the prospects for a positive conclusion issues before this country today."
Those conversations have, so far, left lawmakers in the same place. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Republicans are still treating reopening the government as a "concession," Democrats demanding a "clean" bill that funds the government and raises the debt ceiling, no strings attached.
Senate Republicans blocked such a measure, this weekend, and House Republicans leaders say the President has rejected their proposal for a six week extension of the debt ceiling.