PROVIDENCE, R.I. --U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline late Monday afternoon called Congress' failure to finalize an 11th-hour deal averting the so-called "fiscal cliff" a "disgrace."
The comments came as House Republicans announced the chamber will not vote before a midnight on Monday deadline on any proposals to stave off the automatic tax increases and federal spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1.
President Obama and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have been saying they are close to reaching a deal, however.
Cicilline, an incoming member of the House Budget Committee, said in a statement:
"... Frankly, it's embarrassing that Congress is facing another critical financial deadline with no agreement in place that will protect seniors, middle class families, small business owners, and the unemployed."