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Lew: Enough with economic 'brinksmanship' in Congress

Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew made the Sunday talk show rounds to back-up President Obama's economic plan and downplay any possible upcoming showdown with
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew testifies before a Senate Banking hearing on \"The Financial Stability Oversight Council Annual Report to Congress.\" on Capitol Hill in Washington May 21, 2013.  (Photos Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew testifies before a Senate Banking hearing on \"The Financial Stability Oversight Council Annual Report to Congress.\" on...

Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew made the Sunday talk show rounds to back-up President Obama's economic plan and downplay any possible upcoming showdown with Congress over the budget."I think the American people are tired of the kinds of problems Washington creates for itself and for the country," Lew said on Meet the Press. "We saw in 2011 how much harm it does the country when we have those kinds of self-inflicted wounds, we should not do that again."Last Wednesday, Obama laid out his economic vision for the country, arguing that the recession exacerbated growing income inequality and other fundamental problems. His challenge to Republicans was clear, "I am laying out my ideas to give the middle class a better shot. Now it’s time for you to lay out yours," he said.Lew echoed the president's argument, saying that Washington must stop playing "brinksmanship" games like the 2011 debt-ceiling fight that saw investor confidence drop despite the House eventually voting to extend the limit."Congress needs to do its job," he said.Watch:

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