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What they've said about it...

"The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn't vote for a dysfunctional government. So I'm asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message."
— President Barack Obama

Currently the leadership of both the House and the Senate are engaged in ongoing discussions with President Obama about the future of our country. The negotiations center around the amount of debt the federal government can incur. Unfortunately, because of continued out-of-control spending, we are facing a situation where Congress is once again being asked to increase that amount in order to avoid default.

    By the time you read this it’s possible that a deal has already been reached on the debt ceiling crisis.

    Even if that is the case, and we’ve successfully avoided a U.S. default, there are still some political lessons that remain.
    First, Republicans need to stop trying to fool everyone about how jobs are created. Rich people do not create jobs. Period. That is a conservative myth, particularly a Reagan myth.

Conservation Police Sergeant Karl P. Martin has helped make Smith Mountain Lake and this area much safer during his years of service. Last month he was appropriately recognized for his service.