WASHINGTON – Reinvigorated partisan bickering over broken-down budget negotiations Monday suggested that Democratic and Republican leaders are bracing for the prospect of a government shutdown, which would occur if the two sides fail to reach a deal by the April 8 deadline.

In dueling statements, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) each sought to blame the other for the apparent stalemate over a budget to keep the government running through September 30.

"The infighting between the Tea Party and the rest of the Republican Party – including the Republican leadership in Congress – is keeping our negotiating partner from the negotiating table," Reid said, arguing that the size and scope of the GOP's proposed cuts would hurt job growth.