Lawmakers Ask: Is Obama AWOL on Budget?

Democrats and Republicans offered divergent opinions Sunday on whether President Barack Obama has been avoiding talks with Congress on the long overdue budget for the current fiscal year, Politico reports.

Appearing on CNN's “State of the Union,” Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said Obama quietly has been involved. “The president is working behind the scenes,” Durbin said. “There a perception and frustration among members of Congress that things aren’t moving to a conclusion.”

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl countered Obama has not taken any direct role. “He may have been talking to Senator Durbin and other Democrats, but he has not been talking to Republicans,” Kyl said.

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy said the White House hasn't taken the budget standoff seriously.

“They enlisted the vice president to be a negotiator. He came in for one meeting, then the vice president left the country….How serious are they about solving this problem?” McCarthy asked. “We want the president to step up. How can you negotiate with yourself?”