White House ok with immediate spending cuts

By DAVID ESPO
The Associated Press
Monday, February 28, 2011; 5:20 PM


WASHINGTON -- Siding with congressional Republicans, the White House voiced general approval Monday for a short-term bill that makes immediate cuts in federal spending while preventing a threatened government shutdown.

"We're pleased that there seems to be some progress and we think we're moving in the right direction,"' press secretary Jay Carney said of a bill that Republicans intend to pass in the House on Tuesday.

Carney stressed that President Barack Obama opposes a shutdown, a position that lawmakers in both parties also have taken. His remarks were the latest indication that Congress will ensure that funds don't run out on March 4.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California has criticized the Republican bill, which would cut $4 billion while keeping the government funded through March 18.