The Hill News

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.) said Friday that lead negotiators trying to avert a government shutdown might be closer to agreement than reports have indicated.

"I do know that, from what Sen. Reid tells me, what I believe is there is generally a number for cuts that would be part of an agreement were an agreement to be reached," Hoyer, the No. 2-ranking House Democrat, told reporters outside the House chamber.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who is among the chief Democratic negotiators, has said the sides have agreed on a number to cut from current spending levels.

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