Reid won't negotiate while gov't partly closed

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Democrats will not negotiate with Republican lawmakers as long as the government is still partially closed.

Reid spoke to reporters following a meeting on Thursday with President Barack Obama at the White House that lasted nearly two hours. Reid says 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 Obama agrees to negotiate with Republicans on a broader budget deal. But the Boehner proposal would not end the government shutdown. (See separate story.)

When asked whether he would negotiate with Republicans while the government is closed, Reid said it's "not going to happen."