(CNN) In 2006, Obama voted against raising the U.S. debt ceiling. But now, he's asking Congress to do just the opposite. Since March 1962, the debt ceiling has been raised 74 times, according to the Congressional Research Service. Ten of those times have occurred since 2001. White House press secretary Jay Carney said failing to raise the ceiling would be "Armageddon-like in terms of the economy." Should the debt ceiling be raised or not? CNN's American Morning speaks with Harvard economics professor Kenneth Rogoff about the intricacies of doing so.

Former Republican House member Susan Molinari and Democratic strategist Kiki McLean speak to CNN's American Morning about the forthcoming budget debates.

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.

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.

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."

Rep. Allen West believes a conglomeration of failures that brought the country to the point of a shutdown. He denies that the problem is social issues, such as the EPA and federal funding for abortion. Instead, it's about spending and keeping the government inside constitutional mandates. He wants $61 billion in spending cuts. Republican Alan West is a freshman in the Congress and a member of the Tea Party Caucus and he speaks to CNN's American Morning about the possible shutdown.