Durbin says politics can't dictate debt outcome

[July 26, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The No. 2 Democrat in the Senate says first-term House Republicans adamantly opposed to new tax revenues are terrified of likely primary challenges in their home districts if they go along with the proposal in order to solve the debt crisis.

But Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois says that's no justification for their stance, saying failure to act could have catastrophic consequences for the public and the economy.

Durbin tells MSNBC such a scenario could cause ratings agencies to "downgrade the American economy."

Asked what happens if no legislation has been signed raising the debt limit by Aug. 3, Durbin said in an interview that the government would find itself with about $170 billion to pay bills and more than $370 billion in bills due for payment.

[Associated Press]

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