Senators Say Government Shutdown Avoidable

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two leading senators — one from each political party — are saying that a government shutdown can be avoided through budget negotiations.

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma says no one wants the government to shut down. He says that he doesn't think a shutdown will happen as long as lawmakers agree on ways to cut spending.

Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri says that shutting down the government would be "silly." She says she's optimistic that, as she puts it, "everybody can behave like adults."

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. There's hope a compromise can be found in the Senate.

Coburn and McCaskill spoke on "Fox News Sunday."