WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says there has been progress in the Senate toward resolving a standoff over the nation's debt and the partial government shutdown. But he says if Republicans don't cooperate, "we stand a good chance of defaulting."
Obama's remarks came as the Senate's Republican and Democratic leaders were holding talks in hope of finding an agreement. Obama has invited the bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate to the White House this afternoon.
Obama was at a Washington, D.C. charity that has been highlighting the effects of the partial government shutdown by inviting furloughed workers to volunteer. The agency, Martha's Table, is also offering assistance to federal employees who are not being paid and need emergency aid.
The visit comes on the 14th day of the shutdown and just three days before the Treasury says Congress must increase the nation's borrowing limit or risk a government default.
Obama says the problem is politicians using brinksmanship to extract partisan concessions.
