And in a move that may mirror how the rest of the country reacts to the measure, G.O.P. Bob Turner is hailing its passage, while Democrat David Weprin knocks the House leadership for holding the country "hostage."

"Yet again the Republicans have proven that they will resort to extreme measures, such as holding the full-faith and credit of the United States at risk, in order to advance their radical agenda," Weprin said.  "Extremist Bob Turner would even have us cut the federal budget by 35%, an $11.5 trillion cut in spending over 10 years that is far to the right of many within his own party,” That would eliminate Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security as we know it. While I am still examining the fine details of the legislation, I only hope that this type of hostage situation charade put on by the Republicans does not become the standard for the work we hope and need to accomplish in Congress.”

Turner, meanwhile, points to the bipartisanship of the deal, and says that it will go long-way to getting the country's fiscal house in order.

"This agreement is far from perfect, but it will protect Social Security and Medicare and prevent default on our debt, which would have damaged this weak economy even more.  But more importantly, it sends the signal that bipartisanship, however hard-fought, is still possible in the Congress.  Far more of that will be needed in the months and years ahead to get this economy moving again and to restore confidence in American government.

 

"Years of overspending by career politicians, on both sides of the aisle, put us in this position. This debate has been historic in that federal debt and its drag on the U.S.  economy is now a front-burner issue.  Getting the U.S. economy back on track and creating jobs must be the chief priority for every member of Congress, and, in the long-term, that will require responsible spending and balanced budgets.  That is the ultimate goal, and this moves us in that direction. As imperfect as it is, I support today's deal."