Mark Begich actually said...

"the government shutdown was totally unnecessary and inflicted needless economic damage on families and businesses across this country."

"Yes, junk bond status."

"I would hope that--let us hope there is not another shutdown, but in the hopes of another shutdown that we have more review of how we approach this, recognizing that they are national treasures."

"It is essential that in putting the unnecessary crisis behind us we do not put our heads in the sand and ignore the effects of the shutdown on people's lives."