SENATE MINORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL:

“[A]fter years of discussions and months of negotiations, I have little question that as long as this president is in the Oval Office, a real solution is unattainable,” McConnell said. “I was one of those who had hoped we could do something big for the country. But in my view the president has presented us with three choices: smoke and mirrors, tax hikes or default. Republicans choose none of the above. I hoped to do good — but I refuse to do harm.”

Even flourescent lights eventually brighten.