Government Shutdown Likely, Pelosi Aide Says

One of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's top aides has admitted to Democratic officials that a government shutdown is likely to happen, Politico reports. Pelosi's floor director, Jerry Hartz, told a group of House chiefs of staff that the federal government is headed in that direction because Republicans and Democrats are unable to agree on a new budget.

Speaker of the House John Boehner said it's just a political ploy.

“This is just another example of Washington Democrats rooting for a government shutdown, hoping to take partisan advantage,” Boehner spokesman Michael Steel told Politico. “Republicans, on the other hand, are listening to the American people, who want us to cut spending — not shut the government down.”