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American Morning

Senate to Vote on Debt Bill; Giffords Returns to Vote on House Debt Bill; Syrian Troops Clash with Civilians; Is Compromise a Sign of Weakness?; Saying No to A Debt Deal; Lethal Levels at Damaged Nuke Plant; Reports Finds Angioplasties May be Overused

Aired August 02, 2011 - 07:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Admiration throughout the country.

ALI VELSHI, CNN ANCHOR: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords making a surprise return to Capitol Hill last night. She said she could not stand by while lawmakers kept pushing America to the brink of default.

COSTELLO: That was a fine moment in the halls of Congress.

VELSHI: Yes.

COSTELLO: It is one of the most common ways to treat heart disease, but an investigation finds the money-making procedure has become way overused. New and important information to keep your family safe.

VELSHI: Failing to fund the FAA, the agency in charge of keeping you safe when you fly. Thousands are out of work. Will it threaten your safety? Plus, we'll tell you what it means for the price of your next ticket.

COSTELLO: And tropical storm, Emily, gaining strength in the Caribbean. Watches and warnings have now been posted. We'll tell you where the storm is heading on this AMERICAN MORNING.

VELSHI: Good morning. It is Tuesday, August 2nd. We've got a lightness in our step today because we think we're coming to the end of this debt thing. It's AMERICAN MORNING. I'm Ali Velshi. You'll notice, Christine is not with us this morning.

COSTELLO: That's right. She's a little under the weather. She has a cold. Those nasty children of hers gave her --

VELSHI: Poor Christine. She's really battling it, but, Carol, it's great to have you.

COSTELLO: Yes. I'm Carol Costello, by the way. As you said, Christine is off. A lot is going on this morning, so let's get right to it, shall we?

VELSHI: Welcome to D-Day, the day America doesn't default or hits the default deadline, depending on how you want to see it. What a beautiful picture of the nation's capital. Right now you're looking at Capitol Hill. Later today the entire world will be watching when the Senate votes on a compromised debt deal that passed in the house last night.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELSHI: And for one brief moment last night, Republicans and Democrats put aside their differences to embrace a surprise visitor. There she is, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. For the first time since being shot in January, Giffords returned to the House chamber to vote in favor of the debt deal. It was a moving sight that brought everyone to their feet.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NANCY PELOSI, (D-CA) HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: Throughout America, there isn't a name that stirs more love, more admiration, more respect, more wishing for our daughters to be like her, than the name of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Thank you, Gabby, for joining us today.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Giffords' closest friend in the House, Florida Congresswoman Debbie Schultz Wasserman, got a call from Giffords husband yesterday. He told her Gabby felt she had to be in Washington if her vote could keep America from slipping into default.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, (D) FLORIDA: It was just the most overwhelming -- I mean, it would be hard -- my heart was -- all of our hearts were so full. And you had some grizzled hardened members with very hardened hearts that everybody just melted when she walked in the chamber. It was so incredible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Debbie Wasserman Schultz. By the end of the night the house voted 269-161 in favor of the debt bill. Afterward Kate Bolduan got a rare interview with House Speaker John Boehner about the painful process that got us here.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: How do you feel, sir?

REP. JOHN BOEHNER, (R) HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER: I feel great.

BOLDUAN: What do you think of the vote this evening?

BOEHNER: It was a strong vote, but the first step in many steps yet to go. BOLDUAN: What do you hope the American people take -- what do you think the message is for the American people tonight?

BOEHNER: The process works. It may not be pretty, but it works.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELSHI: Now, it's -- you mentioned this a few minutes ago. It's a debt deal nobody seems to be happy with, the left, right, middle. Only hours to go before the default deadline kicks in it's a deal everybody is going to have to live with. And if it makes it through the Senate today, it will get to the president's desk.

Joe Johns is joining us live from Washington. Sixty votes are needed today. We're trying to figure this out. That's a little unusual. Usually you need to just have a normal majority. Do we know why this needs a super-majority?

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, in case somebody decides to delay this thing. A member of the senior congressional leadership has told me we're going to pass it because we must. I mean, the conventional wisdom, and that's always a dangerous thing, is that, yes, they do have the votes, they have the 60 votes.

Is it certain passage? Call it highly likely, but it is not wise to predict what the United States Senate can do or will do since just one senator can gum up the works, at least for a while. You can argue that this does some of the things most of the parties wanted. It raises the debt limit, extends borrowing authority out through 2012, which is what Democrats wanted. It cuts spending and includes no new taxes, which is what Republicans wanted.

But there's also plenty for almost anyone to hate, including a ton of uncertainty about the so-called super committee of Congress, which is supposed to put the handcuffs, if you will, on spending and consider anything and everything to get the U.S. spending process back on track. So, yes, it looks like this thing is going to go through the United States Senate, probably around noon eastern time. But that time can always slip because the Senate loves to talk, as you know.

(LAUGHTER)

COSTELLO: It certainly does. We're probably hear some long speeches from the floor of the Senate. But if they pass it, I guess that's hurdle number one.

VELSHI: That's the thing that counts.

COSTELLO: And then the president will sign it and, of course, we'll talk about the super-committee ad nauseam for months and months. Joe Johns, thank you.

JOHNS: You bet.

VELSHI: And if you're not already furious with your elected officials for the way they've handled this debt, this one is going to put you over the top. Because Congress couldn't stop bickering and the deal came to the wire, American taxers are on the hook for an extra $1.7 billion. That's how much additional interest the Feds had to pay investors to get them to buy treasury bills in order to finance the government. When word of the debt deal began spreading on Sunday, global markets rallied. That rally didn't last too long. Richard Quest joins us live from the national mall in Washington, D.C.

Richard, you and I were there when the bell rang yesterday morning. We saw that immediate surge of U.S. markets like we had seen in Europe and like we had seen in Asia. And then we got these bad manufacturing numbers and it fizzled the market. Ironic thought that those numbers countered the relief over getting a debt deal done.

RICHARD QUEST, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Not really, Ali, because longer term the actual -- if you look at the numbers, you'll see that really this debt ceiling agreement takes you back to the status quo. You've got an authority to borrow. You can continue to borrow money at large amounts. But really, what does it do for the underlying strength or growth of the economy?

And I think what people today, and this is something you have been focusing on in some detail, people are focusing on the fact that this deal actually does harm the economy because it will have a depressing effect. Now, the president had wanted a clean debt ceiling bill. He had wanted to be able to raise the debt ceiling without there being anything attached to it.

Once the debt deficit measures were added to the bill, then, obviously, it becomes a different animal, and longer term or rather in the short term it will have an effect on the economy.

VELSHI: All right, Richard, what are you thinking? You've seen this. You lived through some of this in Great Britain. This is certainly not the same thing. People compare America to Greece. There's no comparison at all. The more apt comparison is to Great Britain, where they are deciding to not raise taxes -- raise taxes and cut spending. We're not seeing the tax raising here. How do you see this playing out for the American economy?

QUEST: OK, the important thing to realize here is that there will be cuts that were not intended to have originally taken place. So that is going to have a slowing effect on the economy, and economists now will be working out exactly what that effect will be.

The initial hope had been that the -- what little stimulus was left from the previous measures would work its way through. There may be other stimulus measures coming along, but that is most unlikely. So, any boost, any little jolt to the economy simply isn't going to happen.

What we have to hope for is that the effect of the spending cuts, 900 and whatever billion it is, isn't so bad that it causes the growth to wither away. We won't know that for a few more weeks. It's by no means, if you like, certain, Ali, that this economy can weather these cuts without there being an effect.

VELSHI: Richard Quest, stay cool out there on the National Mall, we'll check in with you later on. Richard Quest in Washington.

COSTELLO: The fight over the debt ceiling isn't the only showdown in Washington. The House was adjourned for the summer recess last night, yes. They will be away for five weeks now. They failed to approve a bill that would fund the Federal Aviation Administration before they left. The only possible resolution is if the Senate approves the bill, but that is unlikely.

OK, now what this all means for you, first the federal government is expected to lose an estimated $1.2 billion in taxes on airfare, and 4,000 workers will remain furloughed. These are mostly administrative positions, meaning air traffic control personnel on the job and passenger safety should not be affected. Also, construction projects are on hold.

And because the government has stopped collecting certain taxes on ticket sales, Delta says it will now give refunds to passengers who paid those taxes, but then flew during the partial FAA shutdown. The refunds only apply to people who bought tickets before July 23rd.

VELSHI: And the extreme heat just won't let up in the Midwest. In Dallas it will mark the 32nd straight day of triple-digit temperatures, 32 stray days. Excessive heat advisories are in effect from Texas to parts of Kansas. Also right now 12 percent of the country is experiencing extreme drought conditions.

And we're keeping a close eye on tropical storm Emily. Take a look at this. It formed in the far eastern Caribbean on Friday -- yesterday. Right now warnings for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Still to come this morning, another night of violence in Syria. Dozens of civilians killed at the hands of government troops. Now Secretary of State Clinton wants the United Nations to take action.

VELSHI: And not too many people knew Gabrielle Giffords would return to the house last night, but one of her closest friends did. We'll be joined by Florida Congressman Debbi Wasserman Schultz to find out about the phone call that tipped her off.

COSTELLO: A touching story there.

And Republicans and Democrats don't often agree on much. But coming up we'll talk to two congressmen, one from each side of the extreme aisle, who both voted against the plan to raise the debt ceiling. We'll find out why. It's 11 minutes past the hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: And welcome back to AMERICAN MORNING.

A major concession this morning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that could lead to statehood for the Palestinians. Netanyahu announcing Israel is now willing to negotiate with the Palestinians based on borders that existed in 1967. In exchange, the Palestinians would have to drop efforts to get the United Nations to recognize them as a state and would have to publicly recognize Israel as a state. Leaders on both sides indicated they're willing to accept those conditions.

Another night of bloodshed into Syria. Government troops and civilians clashing again in the City of Hama. There are reports of violence in several other cities, too. At least 24 more people reportedly killed overnight. Fifty-two died Sunday, including four children.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling on the U.N. to take action against Syrian President Assad, saying he's lost his legitimacy to rule.

Arwa Damon with the latest, live this morning from Beirut. Arwa, what's the situation in Syria? It does appear to us that it is worsening. It's intensifying.

ARWA DAMON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It most certainly does appear to be the case and it seems as if it's taken an even more brutal turn, if that is even possible to imagine.

As you mentioned there even more casualties are being caused overnight and what we do again have are these two competing narratives as to what is taking place. Activists and residents of Hama saying that the Syrian Security Forces are indiscriminately firing at them, targeting hospitals, mosques. That it is virtually a city under siege. People facing shortages of food and medical supplies.

Syrian State Television, however, running its own narrative of events, broadcasting video that shows individuals whose faces, identities are disguised, firing at things that we cannot identify, but Syrian television is saying that it is these armed gangs that are shooting at the Syrian Security Forces.

And this is causing the Syrian government to say that it is fully within its rights to try to bring the situation in Syria under control. Of course, all of this escalating violence has led to the statements that you mentioned there by the United Nations (INAUDIBLE) Security Council to put a resolution on the table and most recently to the Italian ambassador to be recalled with Italy urging other European nations to try to recall their ambassadors as well.

All of this part of an effort to put even more pressure on the Assad regime to bring about some sort of a resolution to this uprising, because it is getting worse by the day.

VELSHI: Of course, being the month of Ramadan could exacerbate that economic condition in Syria. We'll keep a close eye on it. We know that you know the story and this country very well. Arwa, thanks very much for that. Arwa Damon joining us from Beirut.

COSTELLO: It is that time of the morning for our "Question of the Day." And it deals with compromise this morning. Being the ultimate tough guy may work for Captain America, but not necessarily for leaders of the free world. Remember when President Bush taunted insurgents in Iraq four months after shock and awe?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: There are some who feel like that, you know, the conditions are such they can attack us there. My answer is, bring them on.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Some believe the president's words increased violence against American troops, taunting the enemy isn't the best idea and President Bush later said he regretted saying that.

But acting tough feels good and it is quintessentially American. It's one of the reasons why the Tea Party resonates. It's why Republicans are controlling the agenda. And this debt deal fiasco, heck, in the modern political world tough is in. Compromise is weak.

Last year, on "60 Minutes," House Leader John Boehner made that clear.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), HOUSE SPEAKER: When you say the word "compromise," a lot of Americans look up and go, oh, they're going to sell me out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Back in the day, powerful Democrats and Republicans were able to make mutually beneficial deals. Think of Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill in 1983, working out a deal on Social Security, or President Clinton compromising with Newt Gingrich on Welfare Reform in 1996. But that was then.

So, time for the "Question of the Day." It is - is compromise a sign of weakness? Send us an e-mail, a tweet or message us on Facebook. We'll read your responses later in the show.

VELSHI: And still to come this morning, recall alert from Nissan, a problem that could lead to loss of control. We'll tell you which models are being pulled and what you need to do to stay safe. That's the second recall we're talking about. The other one is a massive one involving Ford F Series trucks.

COSTELLO: Plus, a new study finds doctors are too quick to use a common and costly procedure to treat heart disease.

It's 19 minutes past the hour.

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VELSHI: Twenty-three minutes after the hour. "Minding Your Business" this morning.

Right now, U.S. stock futures are trading lower ahead of the opening bell. Wall Street not feeling all that confident about the economy this morning. After weak manufacturing numbers out yesterday, put stocks lower this start of the week.

Wall Street looking to more economic data for a fresh read on the recovery. Economists forecasting a slight increase for both personal income and personal spending in June, compared to the month before. Those numbers come out in about an hour from now.

Toyota announcing a big loss last quarter from a lag in production after the earthquake in Japan, but it's raised its earnings forecast for the year. And Pfizer just reported that its earnings were in line with Wall Street's expectation. Other earnings coming out today include Sirius XM Radio, Office Max and Hyatt Hotels.

Minnesota is getting a downgrade on its debt from Moody's. The ratings agency says new revisions to the state's balance sheet could create future gaps in its budget. The revisions were made to end the local government shutdown which happened - which ended last month.

Later today, the major automakers will start releasing information on new car sales for July. We'll be watching closely. Those figures are used as indicators of consumer demand and yet another gauge on the country's economic recovery.

Ford is recalling more than a million pick-up trucks because of fuel tank straps that can rust causing the fuel tank to drag on the ground. Several fires were reported from the defect. The recall covers the best-selling U.S. passenger vehicle the F-150 from 1997 to 2003, some F-250s, 1997 through 1999.

AMERICAN MORNING back right after this quick break.

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COSTELLO: Welcome back to AMERICAN MORNING.

A rare sight in the House last night. Republicans and Democrats standing side by side, forgetting about their differences for one glorious moment. There were cheers, plenty of tears, when wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords suddenly emerged on the House Floor. Said she had to come to stop Congress from inflicting an unnecessary wound on the American people.

VELSHI: Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins us live from the CNN Center this morning to discuss how Giffords' recovery is coming along after observing her last night on the House Floor.

But first, the House member who knew Giffords would be showing up last night, probably one of the only ones if not the only one, Florida Democrat Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, one of Gabby Giffords' closest friends joins us live from West Newton, Massachusetts this morning.

Congresswoman Schultz, first, I mean, none of us who - we were all surprised by this and we watched it and there wasn't a dry eye anywhere for anybody who watched that happen. You knew it was going to happen. Tell me how this came to be. How did - how did Gabrielle Giffords end up coming to the House of Representatives yesterday? REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN-SCHULTZ (D), FLORIDA: Well, it was an absolutely incredible moment, you're right, Ali. And, Mark called me on - on Sunday night. Told me that Gabby had been following the debate and the discussion and negotiations very closely, felt strongly that if it came down to her vote, that she wanted to make sure that the country would not default on our obligations for the first time in history and was going to make sure that - that she came to Washington to cast that vote.

And then she decided as the hours went by, that you know what, this is probably the most important bill that we'll consider, the whole Congress, and that she wanted to make sure that her constituents in the Eighth District in Arizona had their voice represented in this chamber, and so she came. And it was an absolutely incredible moment.

COSTELLO: It certainly was. Tell us how she was able to make it? I mean, did she have her friends surrounding her? I noticed someone had their hand around her waist supporting her on the Floor of Congress. How did all that work?

WASSERMAN-SCHULTZ: Her chief of staff - Carol, her chief of staff and I helped walk her into the chamber. Her chief of staff, Pia, stayed by her side, I was on the other side of her and we prearranged for - I kind of - I went in the chamber first, saved some seats that would make sure that they were right by the exit, by putting my purse and my iPad and a folder on three seats, so that we could keep her one seat in case it was too much for, you know, the mob that we knew would happen.

But she went right to the last seat, you know, the seat right on the end, so she could have the easiest access to all the members.

VELSHI: Oh, wow.

WASSERMAN-SCHULTZ: Her whole delegation in Arizona came over, Republicans, Democrats, you know, we - we had a very tough few weeks leading up to this fight and this final compromise, and Gabby melted everybody's heart last night if anyone would do it she could.

VELSHI: You know, giving the uncompromising nature of Congress these days, you taking up three seats with your iPad and your folder and your purse could have gotten you a punch in the nose.

How did Gabby Giffords showing up there affect the mood and tone? Because the mood and tone in Congress, even you know, is just ugly.

WASSERMAN-SCHULTZ: It's - it's been very tough. Very - very hard edged and as Gabby came in and the people realized it was just this wave of recognition and the - the House erupted. It was electrifying.

It really, I think it did a lot of good to melt the -- even the most hardened of hearts we've had a tough road to get to this compromise, but knowing that Gabby put aside everything and came to the -- came to the House to cast her vote.

Even in spite of everything she's been through, I think it made, you know, all of us realize just how important what we do is every day in that chamber and how important it is that we work together.

COSTELLO: I know, one of my favorite story is Joe Biden was saying that he saw Gabrielle Giffords and, you know, after this contentious day trying to convince people to vote for this thing and he found himself embracing Michele Bachmann. He was amazed by that.

SCHULTZ: Well, Vice President Biden -- Gabby was surprised, Vice President Biden came. I knew about that too, but he came into the chamber, you know, gave her the biggest bear hug. They rubbed noses. It was just -- it was unbelievable.

Just the best ending to an opportunity for us to reach a compromise that is a tough one, but establishes the balance, puts on a path to getting the deficit reduction and the revenue that we need, makes cuts that are painful.

But also makes cuts to defense that important as well and hopefully, the second half of this, Ali and Carol, we'll make sure that we can strike that balance and then focus on jobs and the economy like President Obama has been pushing so hard for.

COSTELLO: We've got everything crossed, fingers, toes.

VELSHI: Hoping jobs become an issue. Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. Great to see you. What a great, great reason to have you on the air. Unfortunately, we'll have her on the air for things that aren't nearly as great some times.

All right, how is Gabby Giffords doing? You saw the pictures of her. It's fantastic to see it after her first public appearance since January. It's clear she's come a long way. She was shot in the head.

COSTELLO: I know, but you could see she's still having a little trouble. We want to bring in our chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

It's amazing that Gabrielle Giffords looked as good as she did considering what she's been through. But you could tell she wasn't using one of her arms, had trouble, you know, after a long wave, and you know, so as you observed her, from these pictures, Sanjay, how is she doing?

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's exactly that. It's worth pointing out the beginning point of all this, January 8th, about three quarters of people who suffer gunshot wounds to the head like she had even survive.

So keep that in mind as you look at these images, again, a little context. Looks like she's obviously acknowledging people, recognizing people, moving as you say, Carol, just to the left side of her body although her right leg is probably strong enough she's able to obviously maintain her weight there.

Her right arm not moving at all, part of her rehab for some time now. We've seen her go through some of that rehab, learning to write, for example, with her left hand instead of her right hand. These are all the things that take place there. She was saying thank you. It seemed like a lot, mouthing those sorts of words. I think as well as you pointed out she did have someone at times not only supporting her by holding her arm, but also around her waist.

Just to try and make sure that she wouldn't stumble or lose her balance. But this is what's sort of expected if you survive a head injury like this. A left sided brain injury controls the right side of the body.

That's why the right arm is weak. The right leg is likely weak. It also in part is responsible for speech, speech more specifically meaning the ability to express yourself.

To say words, to write words, to make gestures that are meaningful. So that's -- that is still part of her rehab process there.

VELSHI: What -- when you -- how good does it get for her? Sanjay, once all the rehab is done, how good does it get for Gabrielle Giffords? What percentage of her physical and mental ability that she had before the shooting could recover?

GUPTA: Well, you know, in terms of the comprehension, Ali, I think almost since the beginning, almost since she was examined after this injury took place, she was able to comprehend things, to listen, to understand and to execute a command based on that. That's always been there. So the comprehension and cognition that's there. It's more the expression.

She still has a ways to go, but you know, the people say, you know, 12 to 18 months, people start to peak out in terms of recovery although they continue to have recovery after that. She's about seven months out now. So she still has time to go.

Remember Bob Woodruff, Ali, he had a significant brain injury to the left side of his brain and you've probably seen him on the air on ABC. He looks fantastic. Still has troubles every now and then finding words. You can see that word finding difficulty sometimes cross his face maybe similar things with her.

Right side of her body will probably continue to get strong although my guess is she may continue to have a weak right arm given that it really wasn't moving hardly at all yesterday. But, you know, again, this is still a process and she's right in the middle of it.

VELSHI: I think we can take that. I mean, I think a person who cheats death in that way, if you got to struggle for a little while with one side and struggle find something words, it's a good deal. It's a good deal given what she's gone through.

GUPTA: All that emotional support last night that you guys are alluded to, that's part of the rehab as well. Definitely being surrounded by friends and family, that certainly helps, you know, your rehab in many different ways.

VELSHI: Sure, makes the fight seem worth it, doesn't it, Sanjay? Thank you so much. Good to see you, Sanjay.

GUPTA: You got it, guys.

COSTELLO: Thanks, Sanjay. As you know, today it is up to the Senate to pass the plan to raise the debt ceiling. The House approved the bill yesterday. We've been telling you that.

This morning we want to talk to two members of Congress, one from each side of the aisles who voted against the bill. Joining me now freshman member of the Tea Party caucus, Republican Congressman Joe Walsh and Congressman Dennis Kucinich, a liberal Democrat. Welcome to you both.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good morning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

COSTELLO: I'm just curious to see how you felt when you saw Gabrielle Giffords come into the House chambers and cast this ballot. Joe, let's start with you, Congressman Walsh.

REP. JOE WALSH (R), ILLINOIS: I was -- we were all so blown away. You said and I think it's right, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. And I just whispered to myself, welcome back, not really knowing gabby. That's all I could say. What a moment, though. It was amazing.

COSTELLO: Congressman Kucinich, does her presence, just seeing her there, did it remind lawmakers to be civil? Will it make them more likely to reach compromise on things?

REP. DENNIS KUCINICH (D), OHIO: Well, first of all, Carol, there's no question that her entry at that moment, totally changed the environment. And in a sense, it helped put things in perspective.

There's a very human profound narrative that is Gabby Giffords' life and as Congress came to understand that she was back, it really reminded us of the sanctity of life, of how important she is to the country, and it was a moment of joy amidst a time of confusion.

COSTELLO: Yes, it has been a time of confusion. Let's just talk about this contentious debate. I know Congressman Walsh you voted down this debt ceiling bill, but it's already passed the House.

It's likely to pass the Senate and then we're going to have to deal with this Super Committee who will decide on the next round of cuts. What is your biggest concern with that Super Committee?

WALSH: Well, and again, when I look back now and Dennis may agree with this, it may have been the best deal that could have been cut. My biggest objection was that we didn't need a Washington deal.

These are important issues we're dealing with. The country needs a solution. We just passed a plan yesterday, a compromise, the Senate will pass it today, that might cut $1 trillion to $2 trillion over the next 10 years. But even with that plan, we're going to add an additional $7 trillion to $10 trillion in debt over the next 10 years as well. We're on a disastrous fiscal path and if we don't change things, we really are bankrupting future generations.

We've had commissions, we've had committees, we've had -- I just think America is beyond a committee and a commission. It's time that Congress, the duly elected members of this body, make some real tough decisions and I think we avoided that yesterday.

COSTELLO: But Congressman Kucinich, you also voted no on this deal, but isn't this a good first step? Aren't we at least heading in the right direction?

KUCINICH: Well, carol, 161 people voted no. Are we headed in the right direction? No. We have 14 million Americans out of work, over $3 trillion in infrastructure that needs repair. Your report today showed that manufacturing is slowing.

Our GDP is down. We've got to get America back to work. We've got to invest in America. We need to create jobs. And when you start stopping the investment that is needed and government is a primary motivator of that investment, you're in real trouble.

We're looking at a double dip recession here. So I say it's the wrong way and that doesn't even get into the issues down the road where there will be attempts to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

So, you know, we have to protect that safety net, not shred it and I voted no because I think that America has to create jobs. That's where our focus should be right from the beginning. Invest in America, don't start cutting investments.

COSTELLO: Congressman Walsh, Congressman Kucinich mentions cuts to entitlement programs. What if this Super Committee says, we have to raise tax revenue, we have to institute tax reform.

How would you feel about that? Because really, the power has been taken away from you, unless you know the whole body of Congress votes no on this second round of cuts that the Super Committee comes up with?

WALSH: Look, that's why maybe I take a contrary view to what we're going through right now. I think what Congress has been doing the last few months is wonderful.

This is an important debate and may seem heated, it may seem contentious, but understand, we've got very different ideas on what needs to be done.

Mr. Kucinich talks about the fact that the economy is dying right now. It is dying. We need job creation and we Republicans have a much different idea of what needs to be done. The private economy needs to be freed up. Government right now is suffocating through regulations and taxes, the small businessmen and women in this country who create jobs. These are big, passionate disagreements we have and I just want to tell all of our Americans, you know, get ready. We've got battles to come and this is important stuff.

COSTELLO: Well, hopefully everyone in Congress, and I'm sure the American people will feel that way, will remember the spirit of Gabrielle Giffords and maybe the next round of arguments will be more civil.

Thanks to both of you for being on this morning. We appreciate it. Congressman Joe Walsh, Congressman Dennis Kucinich. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be back with more after this.

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VELSHI: It's 44 minutes after the hour. Japan workers are finding lethal levels of radiation around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant the highest they say they've seen yet. Zain Verjee has been following this closely. She joins us now live from London. What are we learning, Zain?

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: This kind of radiation level, Ali, we are learning could kill human beings in weeks. It's the highest that they've discovered since the earthquake and tsunami about five months ago.

Just take a look at the pictures here, because they have detected these radiation levels between reactor one and reactor two. It's kind of right at the bottom of the ventilation tower, right there.

You can see that the things there that represent the level of radiation. Japan has been trying to stabilize this particular Fukushima Daiichi reactor. It's now raising questions about the safety of workers, will there be risks?

But what experts are saying is that this has only been detected in a small area and it's not a widespread radiation issue at the whole compound. They're going to continue working. Ali?

VELSHI: All right, Zain, the other thing is, Hugo Chavez showed up without his normal head of hair. He was sporting a hairdo more like mine?

(LAUGHTER)

VERJEE: I was just going to say that.

VELSHI: Yes.

VERJEE: He was. Take a look at this picture. Hugo Chavez is calling it his new look. He has his hair down closely shaved. It's because he's got cancer and he's been undergoing chemotherapy. But he's saying, look at my new hair style. This means that I'm better and the chemotherapy is working. We don't know what kind of cancer, Ali, that the Venezuelan leader is suffering from. But he had gone to Cuba a few weeks ago in June, to remove a cancerous tumor that was believed to be in his pelvis. We don't have more detail than that.

But, what do you think of his new look?

VELSHI: I think -- the guy looks remarkably robust. And while he was in Cuba, you know, he and Fidel Castro were shown in their athletic wear, their track suits, like they were just finishing a tennis match or going for a run or something. So if he's trying to give off the image of robust and healthy, I think the hair, I think his hairstyle only helps.

VERJEE: Well, that's exactly right. He is trying to do that to show he's in control, because surprise, surprise, the elections in Venezuela are around the corner and he needs to show that he's OK.

VELSHI: There you go. All right. I got someone else who looks like me in the world.

Zain, good to see you. Zain Verjee.

VERJEE: You're better looking.

VELSHI: There you go. Thank you, Zain. That's what you need. If you want to come back and take up as much time talking about whatever you want on the show you're always welcome to do so, Zain.

Zain Verjee in London.

Carol.

COSTELLO: Oh, man it's getting deep in here.

On the subject of your health, it is becoming a more common procedure to treat heart patients, but an investigation by Consumer Reports finds that angioplasty, a costly treatment might be overused. In fact, in the past decade, angioplasties have increased 300 percent. So, what's going on here?

Joining me is Dr. Orly Avitzur, a medical advisor at Consumer Reports. Welcome.

We were just talking, my father had, you know, more than one angioplasty. I think everybody's parent has had one. So -- and you're saying that not all of them may have been necessary?

DR. ORLY AVITZUR, MEDICAL ADVISOR, CONSUMER REPORT: Right. It's interesting. In the setting of an acute heart attack it's wonderful and it can be life-saving, but in someone who doesn't have an acute heart attack, who's just perhaps suffering from mild symptoms, it's important to also consider medication and lifestyle changes, which are equally effective in the long run in preventing another heart attack and much safer.

COSTELLO: Explain briefly what an angioplasty is?

AVITZUR: Right. A tube is inserted and a blood vessel is opened through a catheter and often a stent or wire mesh is put in place to prop the blood vessel open.

COSTELLO: And you're saying that many times that's just totally unnecessary?

AVITZUR: It is unnecessary. In the case of multiple blockages, for example, surgery may be a better solution. Or if the main artery is the one that's diseased, then surgery is preferred. And in patients that have few symptoms or really can make significant changes with lifestyle measures, changing their cholesterol by a healthy diet, losing weight, stopping smoking, those are all better to do because they're safer.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, underneath it, this is a serious accusation you're making, because you're saying that doctors, are they deliberately performing these unnecessary treatments on patients?

AVITZUR: Right. Deliberate is a strong word but there are some perverse incentives these days. Doctors are unfortunately reimbursed far more today for doing procedures than for sitting down with patients for an hour or so and counseling them about their health, their weight, their diet, exercise, their cholesterol levels.

COSTELLO: But I got to say, if I feel I'm having a problem with my heart and I have a history of heart disease in my family and go to my doctor and he says I think you need an angioplasty I'm going to say OK, when do I sign up?

AVITZUR: And that's the problem there, because many people feel so at risk when we're talking about the heart. It's such an important organ and we've all been told about heart attack warning signs. But, in fact, the best thing always to do is to take a moment to do some research, to learn about your own risk factors, to weigh the benefits of medication.

COSTELLO: Go to more than one doctor.

AVITZUR: Always. Get a second opinion if you feel a surgery or procedure is being recommended and alternatives aren't being discussed.

COSTELLO: And, of course, the big, big picture here if doctors are performing all of these unnecessary surgeries, that's really driving up the health care costs in this nation.

AVITZUR: Exactly. And we are so worried about health care costs these days. So, it's not just the individual that's at risk, it's really affecting what's happening in health care today.

COSTELLO: Dr. Avitzur, thank you so much for coming in and enlightening us this morning. We appreciate it.

AVITZUR: Thank you. COSTELLO: It's 49 minutes past the hour. We'll check on this morning's top stories straight ahead.

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VELSHI: A lot going on this morning. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

A Senate vote on the debt deal is expected within hours. The measure passed the House last night with 60 votes and in the Senate today. America will be able to stave off default while facing more than $2 trillion in spending cuts over the next 10 years.

Gabby Giffords back on her feet bringing the House to its feet with a surprise appearance last night. The wounded Congresswoman said she had to return last night to vote yes on the debt deal.

People of Somalia in the grips of a deadly doubt and famine. Nowhere in the world are more people malnourished. The United Nations calling conditions in the African nation the worst humanitarian crisis the worst on the planet.

The Justice Department is challenging Alabama's new immigration law, among other things. It requires officers to try and determine the immigration status of a person they suspect is in this country illegally. The government says the law undermines the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

And the rock group Kings of Leon are canceling their U.S. tour after the band's front man walked off the stage during a show in Dallas. The statement in their group which is known for the hit "Use Somebody" says the singer is suffering from vocal issues and exhaustion.

You're caught up on today's headlines. AMERICAN MORNING back in 60 seconds.

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COSTELLO: We want to get to our question of the day now. The House approving a compromise deal to raise the debt ceiling yesterday but only after walking away from the table, accusations, missed deadlines.

So, our question of the day this morning, is compromise a sign of weakness?

This from Debra from Facebook. "Only those idiots and those with an aggrandized sense of who they are think compromise is a sign of weakness. People of goodwill can disagree with honor. People of goodwill understand they don't hold all of the truth."

And this from Lee. "I have always thought compromise showed a certain strength and intelligence. Although in this case I think it's more a result of political posturing. I think this whole debt scenario is orchestrated by Congress to last this long." Thank you for responses this morning. Most people say that they don't think compromise is a sign of weakness but lawmakers aren't into compromising much these days. And you people are voting them in, remember that.

Keep those comments coming. Send us an e-mail us, a tweet, or tell us on Facebook. We'll read more of your comments a little later.

VELSHI: It's a very astute question, because so many members of Congress have gone there saying we have a mandate to stick for what to -- stick to what our --

COSTELLO: Stand on principle.

VELSHI: Stand on principle. You know, that kind of goes in the face of compromise.

COSTELLO: That's not how you govern.

VELSHI: Great question, great responses from all of you.

OK. Quiz for you. What is 11 feet long and enjoys having pets and livestock for dinner? This. It's a humongous Burmese python that was found under a storage trailer on a farm in Florida's everglades. It took several of Miami Dade's bravest to capture the python. The farmer said he spotted the snake's 12-inch thick tail poking out from under the trailer. That was after he'd noticed several of his animals had disappeared.

COSTELLO: Oh --

VELSHI: Mystery solved.

COSTELLO: OH, that gave me goosebumps.

VELSHI: Wow. What would you do if you saw a snake's tail like that?

COSTELLO: I'd run like hell. Are you kidding?

VELSHI: Because I was saying -- and I don't -- maybe I just misinterpreted the story but Rob Marciano and I were talking about it earlier. I got the impression that the farmer grabbed the tail. And I thought if you're grabbing any part of a snake, I don't know, maybe I'd grab the head because you grab the tail, you just annoy the snake.

COSTELLO: You would grab that snake's head?

VELSHI: Well, Rob's reaction was exactly the same. He said, Ali, you're clearly sleep-deprived because you really should not be grabbing the head of a python.

COSTELLO: I would be on the phone calling animal control. I would not touch that.

VELSHI: I'm just trying to be macho to TV. I'd grab that thing by the head. Show him who's who and what's what. COSTELLO: I believe you. I really do.

VELSHI: And then you'd be reading my obit.

COSTELLO: Yes.

VELSHI: Yes.

COSTELLO: Still to come this morning, tears and cheers in the House of Representatives. Not for the debt deal because for the triumphant return of wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

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