Reply #2: The White House brushed off Reid’s proposal Thursday, as administration officials have done previous

[rodeodance]

The White House brushed off Reid’s proposal Thursday, as administration officials have done previously when Democrats have said they are willing to negotiate on funding levels.

“The president has been clear that Congress should adhere to the budgetary process and pass individual funding bills at reasonable and responsible spending levels,” said Sean Kevelighan, a spokesman for the White House budget office. “Perhaps Democratic leadership in Congress. . . should concern itself less with capturing political news cycles and more on their fundamental responsibility to fund the federal government.”

Bush has been firm in his stance that Congress should adhere to his top line.

“My impression is the president is quite serious about his number,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.