Senator Optimistic on Debt Ceiling Deal

Three days before the U.S. government's debt limit runs out, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed optimism that the problem would be resolved before August 2, the date the limit runs out. “I’m confident and optimistic that we’re going to get an agreement in the very near future and resolve this crisis in the best interests of the American people," McConnell said Saturday afternoon. “Our country is not going to default for the first time in history. That is not going to happen."

A Senate vote on a Democratic plan for ending the impasse is scheduled for later Sunday, after Majority leader Harry Reid abruptly ended a Senate discussion on raising the debt limit Saturday night.