Reid, McConnell Restart Talks As House GOP Flames Out

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, accompanied by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, to talk about their l... House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, accompanied by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, to talk about their lunch meeting with President Obama to discuss rising gasoline prices. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) MORE LESS
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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) restarted talks Tuesday evening on a deal to avert default, after House Republicans failed on multiple attempts to secure support for bill.

“Senator Reid and Senator McConnell have re-engaged in negotiations and are optimistic that an agreement is within reach,” said Adam Jentleson, a spokesman for Reid.

“Given tonight’s events, the Leaders have decided to work toward a solution that  would reopen the government and prevent default,” said Don Stewart, a spokesman for McConnell. “They are optimistic an agreement can be reached.”

The two leaders had the makings of a deal before putting it on hold Tuesday in anticipation of possible House action.

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