As the government shutdown approaches its third week, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will meet with the four congressional leaders at the White House this afternoon.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitchell McConnell, House Speaker John Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelos at 3:00 pm.
"With only a few days until the government runs out of borrowing authority, the president will make clear the need for Congress to act to pay our bills, and reopen the government," a White House official said. "The president will also reiterate our principles to the leaders: we will not pay a ransom for Congress reopening the government and raising the debt limit. The president continues to urge Congress to pass a bill that raises the debt ceiling and lends the certainty our businesses and the economy needs."