Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell Sunday accused President Barack Obama of not being serious about trying to slash the US deficit and government spending, as time runs out for a deal.
"Look, this is the time to get serious," McConnell told CBS television, replying, "No I don't," when asked if he thought Obama was serious about trying to get something done a March 18 deadline approaching.
Democrats and Republicans are seeking to hammer out a deal on spending cuts to draw up a budget to fund the government for the rest of the 2011 fiscal year which ends in September.
"We're prepared to do difficult things, but he must be a part of it," McConnell said on "Face The Nation," adding: "Where's the preside ? Where is the leadership?" Vice President Joe Biden and top lawmakers on Thursday held their first closed-door talks on government spending cuts, seeking elusive common ground.