House Democrats would vote for a short-term continuing resolution that also raises the debt ceiling, averting a crisis where America could default on its debt later this month.
“That would be a responsible way to go,” Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Maryland Democrat, said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” It would give confidence to the marketplace and give confidence to those overseas.”
The government would run out of money as soon as Oct. 17 if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling.
He responded to criticism by Republicans that the president has been giving campaign-style speeches rather than sitting down at the negotiation table to find a solution. Mr. Hoyer said that President Obama has been negotiating over recent months, but that it’s “very tough to negotiate with people who won’t negotiate.”
He did not, however, place all the blame on Speaker of the House John Boehner, Ohio Republican.
“I think John Boehner is willing to negotiate. What he doesn’t have is the support of his caucus, and that’s unfortunate,” Mr. Hoyer said.
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
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