Reid: Planned Parenthood money blocks budget deal

By BEN FELLER AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) - The top Democrat in the Senate says the White House and Republicans have agreed on a spending cut of $38 billion but a fight over federal dollars for Planned Parenthood is blocking a deal.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada told reporters Friday he's cautiously optimistic after late night talks at the White House, but the budget dispute also has become a moving target.

Failure to reach an agreement moved the government closer to a shutdown at midnight Friday.

Reid criticized the Republican stand on Planned Parenthood. The GOP contends it has not reached an agreement on spending cuts.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Associated Press