By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – With a three-week deadline looming to address the nation’s debt ceiling, Illinois’ Senior Senator is pointing his finger at Republicans after a vote to pass the measure failed on Monday night.
On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) blocked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)’s motion to pass the measure with a majority vote – requiring the measure to receive unanimous support.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Senator Dick Durbin said if the debt ceiling is not raised, it could cost American taxpayers.
“You’ve heard the argument – Democrats control the White House, they control the House of Representatives and the Senate, why don’t they just do what they were elected to do and raise the debt ceiling? Well, if you have never been to Washington, D.C., or the capital, you might make that argument. But those of you that have been here 15 minutes remember there’s a word called ‘fillibuster.’
What’s driving this whole debate is the requirement by the Republicans that we produce 60 votes for the debt ceiling. As Senator Schumer has said throughout history, we’ve relied on a majority vote, and that has been considered fair and just.”
Even with a stronghold on capital hill, the measure failed to pass on Monday. Republican’s say they will not vote for a bill that raises the nation’s debt, while Democrats argue the bill is needed to keep the government running.
On Tuesday, Minority Leader McConnell blocked an effort by Majority Leader Schumer to bypass the 60-vote legislative filibuster.
Congress has until September 30 to pass a measure that would prevent a government shutdown.
Blake Haas can be reached at Blake.Haas@Cumulus.com.
