WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is summoning key lawmakers from both parties to the White House to help speed up budget negotiations and avoid a looming government shutdown at week's end.
The White House said Monday that the president has invited House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and top appropriators to a session Tuesday.
Obama spokesman Jay Carney said that time was running short and the president would urge the lawmakers to reach an agreement. He said the White House was optimistic that a shutdown could be averted.
Negotiations have continued on legislation to fund government operations through Sept. 30, the end of the budget year. They have zeroed in on cuts in the range of $33 billion, but haven't agreed on where to make them.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.