Obama calls for reopening of government and raising debt.
"My very strong suspicion is that there are enough votes" to pass the laws, said the US president, referring to Congress; Barack Obama also highlighted the loss of public services as a consequence of the government shutdown.
WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - During a visit to the federal agency responsible for emergency response, US President Barack Obama highlighted the loss of public services resulting from the government shutdown and urged Congress to reopen the country and raise the debt ceiling immediately.
"My very strong suspicion is that there are enough votes" to pass the laws, Obama said. "Put it to a vote. Put it to a vote now. Let's see what happens," he added.
The emergency agency recalled employees who were on unpaid leave due to the shutdown to help respond to Tropical Storm Karen, but the storm weakened and Obama said the agency will now send 100 employees home.
(Reporting by Steve Holland, Mark Felsenthal and Roberta Rampton)