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Republicans and Democrats trade blame as battle over government funding merges into the one over debt ceiling

Republicans and Democrats trade blame as battle over government funding merges into the one over debt ceiling


The US budget standoff continues this week with both sides trading blame for the shutdown that has brought much of the government to a standstill, raising fears about the possibility of a US default. Republican House Speaker John Boehner vowed on Sunday not to raise the debt ceiling without addressing what is driving the debt, while Democrats said it was irresponsible and reckless to raise the possibility of a US default. Asked if his comments meant the United States was headed towards a default if President Obama did not negotiate ahead of a October 17 deadline to raise the debt ceiling, Boehner said: “That's the path we are on.” Read more…