American Morning
Lawmakers to begin debt ceiling debate
Former Republican House member Susan Molinari and Democratic strategist Kiki McLean speak to CNN's American Morning about the forthcoming budget debates.
Rep Clyburn: Instead of ideological debates, we should be working on getting people back to work
The next big issue facing Congress is dealing with 14.28 trillion dollar debt. Rep. James Clyburn, assistant minority leader in the House says the ideological debates and idealistic approaches to governance should end and the focus should be on bringing down the debt, eliminating these deficits, and putting the house on fiscal sound footing. He speaks to CNN's American Morning about his priorities on raising the debt limit.
House minority whip says goal is to keep government operating over the next seven days
A "Clean CR, or 'Continuing Resolution,' is a simple agreement that will "keep things going as they’re going now," says House minority whip, Rep. Steny Hoyer. A government shut down will have very negative affects on our country. He speaks to CNN's American Morning on the plans to move forward.
CNN Heroes: Grandmother helping Chicago kids 'off the block'
Chicago (CNN) - In Roseland, one of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, many residents stay off the streets to protect themselves from rampant gang violence.
But one grandmother opened her door and invited gang members to come inside.
"They say I'm a nut because I let kids into my home who I didn't even know," said Diane Latiker, 54. "But I know (the kids) now. And I'll know the new generation."
Since 2003, Latiker has gotten to know more than 1,500 young people through her nonprofit community program, Kids Off the Block. And she hopes that by providing them with support and a place to go, she is also bringing hope to a community in crisis.
"We are losing a generation to violence," said Latiker, who started the program in her living room.
According to Chicago Public Schools, 140 of its students have been shot since the school year started in September.
"How can a kid get a gun like he can get a pack of gum? It's that crazy," Latiker said.
Latiker, a mother of eight and grandmother to 13, has lived in Roseland for 22 years. She said she was once "young and dumb," dropping out of high school and having seven children by age 25. But she said that by 36, she had turned her life around: She got remarried and earned her GED. She had also given birth to her eighth child, Aisha.
This time, she said, she was determined to do things right.
Government contractors face uncertain future
If there is a government shutdown, 800,000 federal workers and their families will be impacted, millions of people who are reliant on government services, will not be getting those services. Businesses, farmers, veterans, and finally overall impact on the economy could end up several hampering the recovery and our ability to put people back to work.Government contractors are included in those affected. Tony Jiminez, president of a micro tech company with government employees speaks to CNN's American Morning on how the shutdown will affect his staff.
Rep. Holmes: "We have a crowd who is holding up the whole country"
Washington (CNN) – District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton lashed out at Congress over the budget battle on Capitol Hill, saying it's time the District of Columbia "told the Congress to go straight to hell."
The Democratic non-voting member of Congress represents many of those who would be affected by a possible government shutdown. President Obama and congressional leaders are currently negotiating a deal to try to avoid a shutdown when the current continuing resolution that funds the government expires today. Norton criticized members of Congress for their treatment of her constituents. She speaks to CNN's American Morning about how she believes Congress has to get their act together because the effect on local funds is "an abomination."
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