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Majority Leader Reid References Jets QB Woes In Speech On Senate Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSNewYork) - As Congress continues to try to work out a solution to the impending "fiscal cliff," the Senate Majority leader took a swipe at his Republican counterparts by comparing them to the New York Jets recent quarterback shuffle.

During a speech on the floor of the senate Thursday, Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada used the Jets to make his point that the Republicans lack cohesion in their position on how to prevent the fiscal cliff.

"Coach [Rex] Ryan, he's got a problem. He has three quarterbacks; Sanchez, he's got Tim Tebow, he's got a guy by the name of McElroy. He can't decide who their quarterback is going to be. That's the same problem the Republicans are having. Romney's gone but he's still in the background. We have [Sen. Minority Leader Mitch] McConnell and we have [House Speaker John] Boehner. Who is the quarterback, Mr. President? Who is the quarterback?"

The remarks reference the recent troubles plaguing starting QB Mark Sanchez and increased pressure to go to backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

Last week, third-stringer Greg McElroy threw the game-winning touchdown in the Jets' win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Reid's comment elicited another football analogy from Kentucky senator McConnell.

"The majority leader points out that there is some confusion on who the quarterback is on the Republican side...there's no question who the quarterback is on the Democratic side: it's President Obama, and he keeps throwing interceptions," McConnell retorted.

MORE: CBSNews Coverage Of Fiscal Cliff Negotiations

Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over how to solve the looming fiscal crisis. If no deal is reached by the end of the year, automatic tax hikes and spending cuts will take effect.

Some experts warn that could send the U.S. economy back into recession.

The main sticking point is over whether to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

On Wednesday, Ryan announced Mark Sanchez will start on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

What do you think of the Jets reference during fiscal cliff talks? Sound off in the comments section below...

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