Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Harry Reid: No negotiations as long as government shut down

Budget Battle Reid

Charles Dharapak / AP

A Marine honor guard holds open the door to the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Budget Committee Chair Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., walk out to talk to reporters following a meeting with President Barack Obama regarding the government shutdown and debt ceiling.

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Democrats will not negotiate with Republican lawmakers as long as the government is still partially closed.

Reid spoke to reporters following a meeting on Thursday with President Barack Obama at the White House that lasted nearly two hours. Reid says Senate Democrats want the government open and want the nation to be able to pay its bills.

Earlier Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) proposed a short-term increase in the federal debt limit if Obama agrees to negotiate with Republicans on a broader budget deal. But the Boehner proposal would not end the government shutdown.

When asked whether he would negotiate with Republicans while the government is closed, Reid said it's "not going to happen."

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