Video: Democrat leader: No talks with Republicans until government re-opens Harry Reid said his party would not enter into negotiations with their Republican counterparts as long as part of the US Federal Government remain shutdown. Mr Reid spoke to reporters following a meeting on Thursday with President Barack Obama at the White House that lasted nearly two hours. He said Senate Democrats want the government open and want the nation to be able to pay its bills. Earlier Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner proposed a short-term increase in the federal debt limit if Mr Obama agrees to negotiate with Republicans on a broader budget deal. But the Boehner proposal would not end the government shutdown. Mr Reid said the Senate still had not received a House proposal.