Republicans Accuse Democrats of Overplaying Their Hand in Fiscal Negotiations

Oct. 17 debt limit deadline only days away

The terms of the debate shifting rapidly, lawmakers on Monday entered a critical week for resolving the budget and debt-ceiling impasse with Senate leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell struggling to reach an accord -- and Republicans accusing Democrats of overplaying their hand. 

Congress, aside from grappling with the partial government shutdown, faces an Oct. 17 deadline to raise the debt ceiling. After that date, the Treasury Department warns, the U.S. government will not be able to pay all its bills.