NBC晚间新闻 参议院的谈判可能是结束政府关门最好的机会（在线收听）

Senate negotiations could be best chance to end shutdown

参议院的谈判可能是结束政府关门最好的机会

Senators tried hammering out a compromise to end the weeks-long government shutdown. Meanwhile, protesters picketed outside the White House. NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell reports.

参议院试图通过妥协结束政府长达数周的关张。同时抗议者们聚集在白宫门外。NBC的Kelly O’Donnell报道。

Good evening, it has been another day of lots of talk and no action. What we have sadly come to expect from our leaders 13 days after they allowed much of the US government to run aground. And it is the pain the government shut down has inflicted on average Americans isn't enough, in just over 72 hours this will go from bad to worse. It's when the debt ceiling expires. Almost 80 times since 1960 the congress has raised the limit without drama. Contrary to what some may think, raising the debt ceiling doesn't give the government authority to take on new spending, only to pay the bills it already has. Things like social security, military pay and veterans, benefits. Paying those bills is expected to burn through the country's cash on hand and by the end of the month leaving the US for the first time ever in default. So exactly what are the White House and congress doing to avoid it? We all cover on both ends of Washington and start with Kelly O'Donnell on Capitol Hill where frustration spilled in to the streets for a time today. Kelly ?

reporter: Sure did, Lester. With the dire consequences just days away, tonight the senate and Republican top officials responsible for finding a solution had just one phone call and made no progress. Senators are divide over how much federal spending should be permitted in a budget extension that would reopen the government and how long any new borrowing limits should last. Today, this impasse brought out anger and emotion. Voices from across the political divide brought their frustrations to Washington's landmarks today, both Liberal and Conservative can servetive protests. The far larger turnout, tea party inspired demonstrators toppled and stacked barricades in front of the White House. Today, barricades became a symbol of anger over closed monuments and were cut apart and carried from the closed world war II memorial.

All of these people are here because things are broken. The memorial is becoming a flash point for Conservatives. Tea party stars Sarah Palin and senator Ted Cruz were there.

Our veterans should be above politics. Enough games.

reporter: Inside the Capitol, senators were on the job today. The senate's top party leaders are talking.

It's a breakthrough. Hard to imagine but it's a breakthrough.

reporter: The senator negotiations are not considered the best chance to reopen government and renew the government's ability to borrow known as the debt ceiling which runs out this week.

I think it is not a good idea to go through the debt ceiling deadline.

reporter: But house of Republicans are suspicious about a senate compromise and maintain that a deal that reduces government debt will make the pain of this gridlock worthwhile.

In the short-term sacrifice of a shutdown is inconsequential if you change spending patterns in the United States of America and get us on a path of growth and prosperity.

reporter: Today many who came out to be heard say they are out of patience.

My own personal opinion is I blame actually the congress, not the president.

What do we want.

To end the shut down.

When do we want it?

Now.

reporter: And tonight they say even with no progress today they still believe within a day or so the senate could come up with an agreement. But what remains unclear is how house republicans will react.