Hoyer indicates Dems will ask again for clean budget extension

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) indicated on Friday he would again ask for a short-term budget extension that keeps government operating while the two parties negotiate on a FY 2011 budget deal.

Hoyer spoke just after Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said Congress should pass legislation that ensures U.S. troops are funded. Hoyer said his Thursday would have done that, and that he would make a similar request on Friday.

"I'm going to tell you, we're going to ask for another unanimous consent that will accomplish exactly what the gentleman from Texas wanted to accomplish," Hoyer said. "I hope that none of you object."

Hoyer did not explicitly describe the request he would make, but on Thursday, he sought a clean continuing resolution that would provide more time for budget talks.

While members of both parties on Friday blamed the other side for the possible shutdown, signs were emerging that the two sides are close to a deal. Hoyer's pending request could indicate that just a few more days are needed to negotiate.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he would introduce a stopgap bill that would maintain funding for U.S. troops, and Senate Democrats were expected to meet at 1 p.m. to discuss the budget. Both parties appear to have agreed on $38 billion in cuts for the rest of the year.

House Republicans planned a noon meeting in which they were expected to discuss the evolving compromise.