Schumer backs GOP debt ceiling concepts

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- A Democratic U.S. senator said he supported the concept behind a Republican proposal that would require Congress to pass a budget on time.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on NBC's "Meet the Press" the proposal made by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would be constructive because it would allow the president to respond more quickly to debt-ceiling limits.

"I support the concept," Schumer said. "I'd have to look at the bill."

Schumer said the political climate in Washington had evolved to the point Congress might be able to agree on legislation for a short-term fix to the debt ceiling that would open the door to a long-term solution.

"I think it should be longer because we don't want to play fiscal cliff every three months, but it's a positive step," Schumer said.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the idea that the United States would make a statement it would never default on its debts was a positive step that the Republicans had sought for two years.