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| John Boehner |
The size of the cuts, rather than restrictions on funding for women's health centers, is the key issue dividing Democrats and Republicans, Boehner told reporters.
"We're still in discussions," Boehner said. "Most of the policy issues have been dealt with. The big fight is over the spending."
His comments came after Senate Democrats called the fight over funding for for women's health services as the main obstacle to an agreement. But Boehner disputed that contention.
Federal money can't be used to fund abortions; the funding in contention would go to groups including Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion services.
Republican and Democratic aides both say differences have narrowed over policy items in the spending measure, or restrictions on using money for specific programs.
Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) said Democrats have agreed to $38 billion in cuts--close to the Republican proposal and enough that a spending deal is in place. Boehner disagreed.
"We're not going to roll over and sell out the American people," Boehner said. He repeated Republican calls to pass a one-week spending bill to keep the government open, a proposal Democrats reject.
Sources: http://online.wsj.com
