Democrat senator says GOP wants shutdown

Republicans won't be satisfied with anything less than a government shutdown, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters Tuesday.

Schumer, vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Conference, also characterized the 30-day extension of 2010 spending levels offered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) earlier on Tuesday as an “olive branch” to Republicans.

House Republicans rejected Reid’s offer.

"They want cuts right now before negotiations begin," Schumer said. “The Republicans won’t be satisfied with anything less than a shutdown of the government.”

Reid’s so-called "olive branch," however, would maintain current spending levels set in 2010. House leadership has flatly rejected such proposals, both last week and on Tuesday.

Reid said he is willing to consider bigger cuts during negotiations after his 30-day extension is passed.

"We are saying to Republicans we are willing to go deeper, we are willing to negotiate," Reid said. "It’s time for our GOP colleagues to drop the theatrics."