Moments after Senate leaders announced a deal to end the government shutdown and raise the nation’s debt ceiling, the White House announced that it backs the agreement and urged both chambers of Congress “to act swiftly” and pass the measure as quickly as possible.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, announced the deal on the Senate floor early Wednesday afternoon, finding a long-awaited compromise that presumably will end the federal shutdown.
“The president applauds Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell for working together to forge this compromise and urges the Congress to act swiftly to end this shutdown and protect the full faith and credit of the United States of America,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said, adding that President Obama “believes this agreement achieves what is necessary.”
The agreement is expected to clear the Senate, though it faces an uncertain future in the House, where Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, continues to meet resistance from some members of his caucus.
The deal would reopen the government with a short-term spending plan that lasts through Jan. 15, and also would raise the nation’s debt ceiling through at least Feb. 7. Both the House and Senate also must name conferees to negotiate a final 2014 budget.
Going into those negotiations, the president expects that everything, including tax increases, must be up for discussion, according to Mr. Carney.
SEE ALSO: Senate leaders announce agreement to end shutdown, raise debt
“Everything has to be on the table. That will be his position going forward,” he said.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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