Lautenberg: Republicans brewing a toxic tea with budget cuts

Sen. Frank Lautenburg (D-NJ) accused House Republicans of "brewing a toxic tea for America" in their plans to cut government spending. 

"They are continuing to brew a toxic tea for America," said Lautenberg in a speech on the Senate floor Friday. 

Lautenberg displayed a placard to his right with an image of a giant teabag and a nuclear symbol that read, "HOUSE GOP BREWING A TOXIC TEA FOR AMERICA."

"The Republicans in the House would rather shut down government than budge off their foul schemes," he said. " 'Shut it down.' That was their mantra.

"They don't care their cuts will hurt children," the senator added.  

If a deal to fund the government is not struck before midnight Friday, the government will shut down. House Republicans and Senate Democrats remain in negotiations.