Senator Kirk Believes Shutdown Will Be Avoided

Illinois' Junior Senator remains optimistic that a deal will be struck just short of midnight and that Congress will avoid a government shutdown.

Republican Mark Kirk says in general, Democrats should give on spending proposals, and the GOP should give on 'extraneous' policy measures to avoid the shutdown.

"I think congressional negotiators typically work up to the last minute," said Kirk. "But my guess is because President Obama doesn't want a shutdown, Speaker (John) Boehner doesn't want a shutdown, and Senate Majority Leader (Harry) Reid doesn't want a shutdown, you have a succesful end to the negoations today."

Kirk says there was also discussion in the Senate late Friday about a short-term continuing resolution that could last as long as 4 days, that fully funds military troops.

During a separate conference call earlier, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said a budget deal hinged on funding for Planned Parenthood. Kirk says the program shouldn't be singled out for a 100-percent cut, but rather a broad-based, shared sacrifice.

Senator Kirk also says he won't keep his congressional pay if the government, instead giving it to charity.