WASHINGTON: The top Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate said Monday they are close to a deal to avert default and end the government shutdown.
Congressional leaders had planned a mid-afternoon meeting with President Obama, but it was postponed so that the Senate could “continue making important progress towards a solution that raises the debt limit and reopens the government,” the White House said.
Reid and McConnell appeared together on the Senate floor after meeting Monday. Reid said “constructive, good faith negotiations continue” and both leaders expressed confidence a deal would be reached.
“I’m very optimistic we will reach an agreement,” Reid said.
“I share his optimism that we will get a result that is acceptable to both sides,” McConnell added.
Said the president: “We’ll see this afternoon whether this progress is real.”
