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President Barack Obama has said the United States cannot make extortion routine a part of its democracy and appealed congressional Republicans to raise the debt limit without conditions.
Obama said he was willing to negotiate fiscal issues with Republicans and make changes to health care law, but the lawmakers should first end the government shutdown, which is now into its eigth day, Stuff.co.nz reports.
He also said the shutdown was hurting U.S. credibility around the world and sent a message across that there is no unity in economic decisions of the country.
Obama also wants Congress to extend the government's borrowing authority, as in case of failure to do so by October 17, Washington will not be able to pay its bills.
