Senate vote averts federal shutdown as Obama calls for talks

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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2014380494_budget03.html

March 2, 2011 at 5:12 PM
By Lisa Mascaro
Tribune Washington bureau

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a stopgap measure to fund the government for two weeks, and President Obama called on congressional leaders to negotiate a lasting spending plan that quells the continuing risk of a federal shutdown.

But the prospect for political drama quickly confronted the White House request, as Republican leaders declined to immediately agree to attend the first meeting, to be held as soon as Thursday.

The White House said Vice President Joseph Biden would lead talks, intended to end an impasse between congressional Democrats and Republicans over the scope of budget reductions. Republicans insist on extracting more than $60 billion through September; Democrats say that is reckless.

With both parties privately doubtful about prospects for a deal by March 18, when the two-week spending plan expires, the White House stepped in to prevent a series of temporary measures, which officials worry would create economic uncertainty.

"We will look to these negotiations to find the common ground that we believe exists," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.


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