GOP, Dem Senators Say Gov't Shutdown Avoidable

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Tom Coburn was hopeful that a government shutdown could be avoided.

Schumer told reporters that letting it happen would be a disaster not just for federal workers, but retirees, veterans and anyone else getting federal checks.

The two sides both hit the Sunday talk shows, suggesting a shutdown could be avoided through budget negotiations.

Coburn said no one wants the government to shut down, and he doesn't think that will happen as long as lawmakers agree on ways to cut spending.

Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill says she thinks "everybody can behave like adults." Both were on "Fox News Sunday."

The Republican-led House has approved a spending bill with deep cuts that Democrats call unacceptable. Funding to keep the government going runs out in early March.

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