For the first time since the government shutdown began, there seem to be actual negotiations underway in Washington, D.C. to find a way to fund the government and deal with the debt limit.
"We'll come back and have more discussions," said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), after he returned from the over one hour meeting at the White House, a meeting that Cantor called "constructive."
While both sides emphasized that no deals had been struck, Republicans made clear they expected talks to "continue through the night."
Here is Cantor's statement to reporters when he arrived back at the Capitol:
"The takeway from the meeting was, our teams are going to be talking further tonight. We'll have more discussion, we'll come back to have more discussion; the President said that he would go and consult with the Administration folks. And hopefully we can see a way forward after that."
Here is the official statement issued by the White House:
Readout of the President's Meeting with House Republicans
The President had a good meeting with members of the House Republican Leadership this evening; the meeting lasted approximately an hour and a half. The President, along with the Vice President, Treasury Secretary Lew, Denis McDonough and Rob Nabors listened to the Republicans present their proposal. After a discussion about potential paths forward, no specific determination was made. The President looks forward to making continued progress with members on both sides of the aisle. The President's goal remains to ensure we pay the bills we've incurred, reopen the government and get back to the business of growing the economy, creating jobs and strengthening the middle class.
Here is the statement from Speaker John Boehner:
This evening in the Roosevelt Room, the leaders laid out the House proposal to temporarily extend the debt limit, formally appoint budget negotiators, and begin immediate discussions over how to re-open the government. No final decisions were made; however, it was a useful and productive conversation. The President and leaders agreed that communication should continue throughout the night. House Republicans remain committed to good faith negotiations with the president, and we are pleased there was an opportunity to sit down and begin a constructive dialogue tonight.
For the first time since the government shutdown began, there seem to be actual negotiations underway in Washington, D.C. to find a way to fund the government and deal with the debt limit. "We'll come back and have more discussions," said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), after he returned ...
