Nation's Debt Debate Frustrates Marylanders
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- As the government default deadline nears, people in Maryland are also waiting on word from Washington.
Derek Valcourt has reaction from on-edge citizens who say it is time to make a deal.
The longer Congress debates, the more frustrated Americans become. As politics play out in the nation's capital, there's a resentment building across Maryland.
"They are putting the country through unnecessary angst for nothing, and I'm really angry about it to tell you the truth," said Candice Van Scoy.
The lack of compromise as Congress moves up against the Tuesday deadline leaves many Marylanders concerned about their financial futures.
"Already, the stock market has tanked because everyone is worried about us losing our triple bond rating," a Marylander said.
The alarm is also high for many in Maryland's Congressional caucus, including Senator Barbara Mikulski who is worried about the impact of no deal.
"We're spending $700 billion in defense and we are destroying ourselves by a self-inflicted wound because of political dysfunctions, political rigidity and political ideology," Mikulski said. "What the heck is this?"
Some of the anger and resentment is being directed at freshman Republicans aligned with the Tea Party, like Congressman Andy Harris who says any solution should include a balanced budget amendment.
"America is tired of budget tricks, accounting gimmicks," he said. "They want permanent accountability."
"When you ask for a constitutional amendment that requires a balanced budget, it shows a fundamental lack of knowledge about economics that's just inexcusable in politicians," said a Marylander.
Many Americans are confident that a debt solution is hours away, but are frustrated politics has trumped a compromise.
"It will play itself out," said another frustrated Marylander. "I'm just sick of hearing about it, to be honest."
This crisis has pulled Congress' approval ratings way down. One recent Rasmussen poll said only six percent of Americans think Congress is doing a good job. That's an all-time low.
